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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

Had LASIK yesterday... Already regretting?

55 replies

TooSoonToRegret · 31/08/2020 21:40

I think I just want a hand hold...

I had LASIK done yesterday after contemplating it for over a year and deciding now was the right time money wise. I've been back for my check up today and was told I already have 20/20 vision in both eyes (yay!) but my left eye isn't healing as it should be - the white cells are stopping the flap from healing and I need to up my anti inflammatory drops and could potentially need the surgery done again to flush the white cells away.

I had read up on the risks and was aware of the night glare (which I had with glasses regardless) and the other issues, but now I have an actual issue I'm scared to death.

I'm trying to be positive in that they've told me the flushing will correct the issue, I think I'm just worried as I struggle quite a bit with anxiety and I'm now thinking worst case scenario.

Can I have a hand hold please?

Has anyone had this themselves?

OP posts:

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TooSoonToRegret · 31/08/2020 21:41

Also, I think regretting this early is silly considering how soon, I'm just being a tad dramatic.

OP posts:

LarryUnderwood · 31/08/2020 21:46

Hey, I had LASIK 12 years ago and had no issues so can't make any suggestions regarding the white cells. But it took a good 2 weeks for my eyes to fully recover and my vision to correct, and it was a few months before my night vision was normal. My sigh has been 2020 since then and I have had no issues. Follow all the advice you are given, make sure you don't rub your eyes and be patient - it is straightforward surgery but still an invasive procedure and your body has to heal.

TooSoonToRegret · 31/08/2020 21:52

I think I'm expecting too much, too soon.

I've not helped myself by now googling Lasik horror stories and I feel sick I'm not entirely sure why I felt it was a good idea to Google it now, but I've scared myself to death and if I could rewind the clock to this time two days ago, I'd be sat here with glasses on now!

OP posts:

Binglebong · 31/08/2020 22:04

It is really really unlikely that there will be any damage. Follow the instructions and make sure you wear the annoying goggles at night. Try not to worry too much - impossible I know!

TooSoonToRegret · 31/08/2020 22:07

@Binglebong thank you, it sounds so silly that some reassuring words can make all the difference. I've just read so much on long term issues, stories I was either stupid enough to turn a blind eye to before, or that I wasn't searching hard enough to read beforehand.

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Binglebong · 31/08/2020 22:21

Doesn't sound silly at all. But try to remember that the ones that make the news are there because it IS news - it's not normal. So you are very unlikely to be one them.

Try to remember to take all the drops and finish courses - I seem to remember someone saying that if people do have problems that's usually why.

underneaththeash · 31/08/2020 22:27

You’ve either got something called epithelial growth or a condition called DLK. Both are fairly rare now, so you’ve been unlucky.
The drops should sort everything out, but if not, rather than actually repeating the surgery, they just lift the flap and sort of rinse underneath!

BlueRabbitWasNaughty · 31/08/2020 22:30

I had it several years ago and had a horrible allergic reaction to some of the drops so took longer to heal. I then read all the horror stories about dry eyes and convinced myself I was really suffering - it took a trip to my normal optician, who told me my eyes were not dry at all and to stop using drops, before I relaxed. My eyes are amazing now and despite the initial worry, I'm so pleased I had it done.

RedDiamond · 31/08/2020 22:31

Please, please, please, do not Google! I had the treatment many moons ago and because I could not see properly for the first few days, I was putting the wrong drops in at the wrong times!!! I did wonder why it was hurting so much but my fault, not putting the painkillers in every two hours as instructed.

Anyway, suffice to say, when I could see properly, I put the right drops in. I have NEVER regretted having my eye surgery done. It has been a life changer. Stick with it and do as they instruct regarding more drops.

BlueRabbitWasNaughty · 31/08/2020 22:32

Sorry, to clarify, obviously use all the drops prescribed- I was using moisturising drops for ages afterwards that were completely unnecessary.

ladybirdsarelovely33 · 31/08/2020 22:37

Thinking of you and hand holding OP. Let us know how you get on. I am sure you will heal up.

TooSoonToRegret · 01/09/2020 08:00

Thank you for all your lovely comments.

I feel like I didn't sleep a wink last night worrying, I feel like there's a weight on my chest and I can't take a deep breath. I'm hoping that within a week I'll realise how silly I was to panic and it will all be ok.

@underneaththeash do you know if they just lift the flap and rinse, is it still all the same aftercare afterwards with the pain etc?

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Mondaymanic · 01/09/2020 08:45

Please please do not Google. I got myself into a right state doing that.

This happened to my friend I think. He did have trouble for 6 months and got the flap relifted etc but it did get sorted eventually and he's totally fine now x

TooSoonToRegret · 01/09/2020 09:54

@Mondaymanic Did your friend struggle with a haze aswel? The doctor said there's nothing blocking my pupil but I can definitley see a slight haze in the eye that's not fully healed yet. It's reassuring to know someone else has had it.

OP posts:

Fishyfinger · 01/09/2020 09:58

Hey OP.

I had laser eye surgery many years ago - I can't remember if it was LASIK or another method but I remember the first day or so being pretty uncomfortable and worrisome.

All was great though after that -and I had a good 12 years of perfect vision. Only as I got into my late forties did my eyesight start to regress a little. I have a very slight short sightedness in one eye now and of course the old age long sight is creeping in.

Step away from Dr Google and just rest up today, use your drops and let your eyes heal.

TooSoonToRegret · 01/09/2020 11:08

I'm not googling anymore, it's scared me to much haha!

I was worried last night I'd wasted my money but if I have an outcome similar to that of friends and family - around 10 years good vision - it works out around 30 pound a month which I was spending on contacts anyway.

I'm trying to remain positive that the flap issue will heal and the haze could be temporary as I was warned of blurriness and haze for around a week following.

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Mondaymanic · 01/09/2020 11:13

Yes his is totally healed now. Be assured... Whilst it did take what felt like ages.. He was eventually fine and he loved his vision after the initial faff. I think when we get lasik we don't appreciate the anxiety messing with your eyes can cause.. But do not Google and rest assured it will heal eventually x

VintageStitchers · 01/09/2020 11:18

I had it done in 2006 and it was the best money I've ever spent. I'm now in my fifties and at the stage of needing reading glasses but my distance vision is still very good.
Fingers crossed that yours heals as it should and you get plenty of years of great vision.

TooSoonToRegret · 01/09/2020 11:36

Thank you so much, everyone has been so lovely and reassuring. Hopefully I'll be able to get some sleep tonight without being in such a panic!

I had convinced myself I was going to have damage later in life and that I'd end up regretting it majorly - I don't know why as I've never been one for worrying about ailments in later life!

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underneaththeash · 01/09/2020 13:40

OP in answer to your question, no it's a bit more simple as no lasering required.

powkin · 01/09/2020 13:45

Definitely takes a good while to feel normal, had the halos around lights for a long time. Very early days! I had mine in 2011 and still very happy. Had some dry eyes occasionally and now I’m getting a bit older things are changing but nothing that requires glasses yet!

TooSoonToRegret · 01/09/2020 17:18

If I could kiss you all I would, I'm still a bit worried but you've all really helped so thank you. My friend has recommended rescue remedy if I'm particularly worried and anxious again so going to pick some up tomorrow.

OP posts:

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TooSoonToRegret · 02/09/2020 15:42

Me again!...

I don't know if my anxiety is getting the worst of me again today, but I feel like my forehead has gone numb. Has anyone had this before? I can still raise my eyebrows etc, but there's definitley some numbness there?

OP posts:

Binglebong · 02/09/2020 20:46

I've not come across that before, how is it feeling now?

LarryUnderwood · 02/09/2020 22:50

Of course check with your optometrist if it persists, but I can't imagine how that could be connected to lasik. Headaches yes, because that can be caused by problems with your optic nerve. But numbness in the skin on your forehead? Surely there is no possible link? Did any part of the procedure involve your forehead (eg injections there, instruments pressing down etc)?

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