ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel SmarterEveryDay Intralase LASIK Procedure with Fear-o-meter and Pain-o-meter
Hi there! I’m excited to share my experience with LASIK surgery, a procedure that has significantly improved my vision. While I won’t mention the specific clinic where I had it done, I can tell you that the results have been fantastic. Let me walk you through the process and share some insights along the way.
During the surgery, the doctor takes a unique position, with my eye upside down from their perspective. They use a device to keep my eye open, which feels a bit strange. My main task was to focus on a blinking dot, which helps keep my eye steady.
The doctor uses a laser to create a flap in the cornea. This involves making a precise, three-dimensional cut across the eye, leaving a small tab at the top. This part can be slightly uncomfortable, but it’s manageable. The idea of the laser cutting my eye was a bit daunting, especially since I was hoping there wouldn’t be a power outage during the procedure!
Once the flap is cut, the doctor marks it with dye. This step ensures that if the flap is accidentally displaced, it can be repositioned correctly. The doctor then gently lifts the flap, which is a peculiar sensation as everything becomes blurry.
With the flap lifted, the laser begins its work. The doctor instructs me to stay still while the laser fires for about 20 seconds. Interestingly, there’s a distinct smell during this part, which the doctor humorously described as burning flesh. After the laser treatment, the flap is repositioned, and a drop of water helps it settle back into place.
The same process is repeated for the other eye. It’s crucial to have a skilled doctor for this delicate work. After the procedure, I felt a bit disoriented and needed some rest, but the results were worth it.
Before the surgery, my vision was 20/100, but now it’s improved to 20/20, and in some cases, even 20/15! The experience was quite remarkable, and I’m thrilled with the outcome.
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular refractive surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. The procedure is known for its precision and quick recovery time. It’s essential to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK.
Overall, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with vision impairments. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
I hope this overview has provided you with a better understanding of the LASIK procedure. If you’re considering it, make sure to do thorough research and consult with professionals to make an informed decision.
Engage in a virtual simulation of the LASIK procedure. This interactive activity will allow you to experience each step of the surgery, from preparing the eye to the final laser treatment. Pay attention to the details and note any questions or observations you have about the process.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you will use models to practice creating a corneal flap. This activity will help you understand the precision required in this step and the importance of the flap’s alignment. Discuss with peers the challenges and techniques involved.
Engage in a role-play exercise where you take on the roles of the patient and the ophthalmologist. This activity will help you empathize with the patient’s experience and understand the doctor’s perspective and responsibilities during the procedure.
Create a comprehensive post-operative care plan for a LASIK patient. This activity will involve researching best practices for recovery and understanding the importance of follow-up care. Share your plan with the group and discuss the rationale behind your recommendations.
Participate in a group discussion about the latest technologies and innovations in LASIK surgery. Explore how advancements in laser technology have improved the procedure’s safety and outcomes. Prepare a short presentation on a specific innovation and its impact on the field.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hey, it’s me, Dustin. I had LASIK surgery at a doctor’s office, and I’m not going to disclose which one. Anyway, the surgery went well, and I recorded some of it. I’ll provide some commentary along the way. By the way, I can see really well now!
So, I decided to give you the doctor’s point of view. This is my eye upside down. The doctor is positioned towards my mouth, and my forehead is down below the screen. This part of the process is a bit uncomfortable; they put a device on you to keep your eye open. It feels strange, and you don’t really know what to do. They tell you to focus on a little blinking dot, and that’s all you have to do—just stare at that dot.
Then, they clamp your eye to hold it still while they work on it. This is the only part that I would describe as somewhat painful, but it’s not too bad. Here, the flap starts; the laser cuts a flap in the cornea but leaves a small tab at the top. The laser cuts all the way across your eye, creating a three-dimensional cut. Once the tab is cut, it seals the edges.
This is the scariest part because you’re sitting there with two eyes that aren’t functioning properly, hoping that the power doesn’t go out during the procedure. You really hope they have backup power for the laser machine.
After that, they clamp your eye open and mark the flap with a dye. I assume this is in case the flap gets accidentally torn off, so the doctor knows how to reposition it. Then, he gently pulls the flap back. This part is really strange; you’re still trying to focus on that target, but everything is blurry.
When the lights go out, the doctor tells you not to move and counts to 20 while the laser starts firing. I’ve been told that the laser will not fire if you move. At this point, I asked my doctor about the smell, and he jokingly said it was burning flesh. You can actually smell it if you think about it.
After the laser treatment, they put a drop of water on and lay the flap back over. The vacuum forces will keep it in place. Then, they move on to the other eye. It’s quite an experience, but I’m very glad I did it. I can see very well now—I’ve got 20/15 vision!
At that point, you feel a bit disoriented and just want to rest. They perform the same procedure on the other eye, and it looks like the doctor is carefully working with the flap. It’s important to have an experienced doctor for this.
After everything, my vision improved significantly. Initially, it was 20/100, and now it’s 20/20. I’m really pleased with the results!
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Lasik – A surgical procedure that uses a laser to correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea. – Many patients opt for LASIK to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Surgery – A medical procedure involving an incision with instruments to repair damage or treat disease in a living body. – The surgery was successful, and the patient is expected to make a full recovery.
Cornea – The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, playing a key role in focusing vision. – Damage to the cornea can significantly impair vision and may require medical intervention.
Vision – The ability to see; the faculty of sight. – Regular eye exams are important to maintain good vision and detect any potential issues early.
Doctor – A qualified practitioner of medicine; a physician. – The doctor explained the benefits and risks of the LASIK procedure to the patient.
Laser – A device that emits a concentrated beam of light, often used in medical procedures for precision cutting or reshaping tissue. – The surgeon used a laser to perform the delicate eye surgery with minimal invasion.
Procedure – A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner, especially in a medical context. – The procedure took about 30 minutes, and the patient was able to go home the same day.
Flap – A thin piece of tissue that is lifted during certain surgical procedures, such as LASIK, to access underlying structures. – Creating a corneal flap is a critical step in the LASIK surgery process.
Treatment – Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury. – The treatment plan included medication and physical therapy to aid in recovery.
Recovery – The process of returning to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after surgery or illness. – The recovery period after LASIK is typically short, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days.
