I have two children and I have always put them first and let myself go without my own needs at times. But, that's what moms do right? We put everyone ahead of ourselves and end up getting the short end of the stick. And you wonder why we are always tired and grumpy?
On my list of self-love was LASIK. I've wore glasses since middle school and contacts since high school. At one point, I even had blue-colored contacts. Yes, I have the pictures to prove it. I remember wearing glasses only in class and taking them off before I left the room. I walked the school halls in a blurry mess, not being able to see anyone's faces. Now, like many people, fogged glasses have brought me much frustration since having to wear a mask. No matter how I placed my mask, my glasses always fogged up- and at the most inconvenient times. I also wake up early on most days to work out. Having to put contacts in on already tired eyes is a pain. I would have to make sure my eyes are fully away before putting them in or it would burn a little. Like I said - pain.
After months of putting it off, I finally set an appointment for a consultation at Mann Eye Institute in Katy. It was a pretty seamless process. Routine eye exams, measurements, eye dilation, etc. The staff was very friendly and the environment was clean and safe. Hand sanitizer, temperature checks, social distancing and a hand washing station are all being enforced. Most of the staff I talked to had gone through the LASIK procedures themselves, so they were able to offer their experience and advice. I was beyond ready to correct my vision. Imagine my face when I am finally told the price. $4100!!! And that was with a "discount." I admit, at this point, I was discouraged. I've heard those radio adds that promise LASIK for a few hundred dollars. A few hundred and $4K is a big difference. But, after I left, I did my research and found that those radio ads are just gimmicks to get you in the door and the majority of LASIK candidates don't qualify for the cheap procedure.
Preparation
To prepare for the procedure, I had to not wear contacts for five days. It was annoying to work out in glasses, but I did it. It was my last days as a glasses-wearer, so who cared. I had to be dropped off and picked up by someone on the day of the procedure. Although the check-in process took a little longer than expected, I was patient. I was provided with an Ibuprofen and Valium and then escorted to the back for the scans and numbing drops. I even got a cookie as a parting gift. I was very anxious. I researched what to expect, but reading and actually going through it was different.
The Procedure
Now for the procedure. They tell you all you will feel is pressure. Not quite. I laid on a table with two parts of a large machine on either sides. A tool was placed on my eye and then the machine came in for suctioning. It was an unexpected feeling and I, immediately, shut my eye. The machine shut off and we had to start all over again. I, honestly, was not the calmest during this part. I'm not going to lie. I had to squeeze my hands together, take deep breathes and count in my head. But, each eye took about 12 seconds for the cornea flap to be removed with a laser. It was not painful. Just really uncomfortable. Then I was moved to the second part of the machine where I had to look into a bright light. This is the part of the procedure where the laser resurfaces your eye to correct your vision. Again about 12 seconds per eye. The doctor then replaced the cornea and I was good to go. My eyes were checked on last time and I was given sunglasses prior to leaving. I was advised to go home and sleep for the next few hours (and I did). When a doctor tells you to sleep- you do it. I had to return to the office the next day for an eye exam and had 20/20 vision. The recommended upkeep is to continue using artificial tears daily for a few months, as your eyes will get dry. They also stress that you do not rub your eye. At all. Don't do it. I also have to sleep with clear eye guards for four days.
Final Recommendation
Overall, I am happy I went through with the procedure. I see so much better than I did before and I don't have to worry about wearing contacts before leaving the house. The staff at Mann Eye Institute Katy was so helpful and friendly. No one seem stressed or overwork, despite the many patients that they seen that day. I recommend that if you are looking into LASIK, go in for a free consultation. Only you know if it will work for you financially. But, we have to start investing in ourselves to continue to be our best selves.
Remember, Self Care is not Selfish, it's Necessary.