LASIK Patient Success Story

Chicago, Illinois

I remember the first time I found out I had to wear glasses. It was in third grade, and I was very excited. I remember telling all the kids in my class about my new glasses the day after they were cut and made. I was one of the first of my peers to have them. It didn’t take long, however, for the excitement of spectacles to wear off, and around seventh grade, I convinced my mom to let me wear contact lenses. I wanted the freedom from coke-bottle eyes, as my prescription became thicker and thicker over the years. I also wanted to be cool.

Throughout high school and college, I enjoyed the freedom I thought I had with contact lenses, except for those frequent instances where it was difficult to wear them due to allergies. Many mornings were spent in discomfort as I tried to get the lenses in swollen eyes, or even after nights of little sleep when my eyes were still tired and very red. I also recall my contacts drying out sooner than expected, especially when pulling all-nighters reading, as well as the hefty bill of bi-monthly contacts, or the inconvenience of always needing contact solution and a case with me in the event that I were to sleep over at a friend’s house. I couldn’t watch movies in bed and fall asleep, and I couldn’t read in bed unless I had my glasses with me. All in all, seeing clearly was more of an inconvenience than anything.

Despite the inconveniences, I thought this was my best choice, that it was something I just had to deal with, and that I should just be grateful my poor vision could be temporarily corrected. After ten years, however, I had developed what was known as giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), which is a condition where the undersides of the eyelids develop bumps on them. GPC is an inflammation as a result of wearing contact lenses. My eyes were itchy and burning, which made it impossible to wear contacts comfortably. I first noticed this one day when applying eyeliner and seeing bumps on one eyelid as well as one eyelid drooping more than the other. My eyes were not receiving proper oxygen for hours at a time, every day, for twelve years. As a result, I could no longer wear contact lenses.

I was devastated; I didn’t know what to do! My eyes hurt all the time and were dry whenever I put contacts in. I squinted frequently because they were so dry and uncomfortable, and I imagined the premature wrinkles I was creating on my forehead from all that squinting. All vanity aside, it was unhealthy for me to be wearing contacts any longer.

I was told I either had to return back to my coke-bottle glasses or have PRK surgery (due to my thin cornea, the Lasik flap was not a safe option for me). After meeting with Doctor Golden and learning about all the risks, I decided the PRK was the best choice for the health of my eyes and for the visual flexibility of my active lifestyle. I also did my research and read up on his patients’ success rate as well as his skill with the laser, so I decided to trust my eyes to Doctor Golden and go through with the PRK procedure. All of my pre- and post-operative care would be included in the price, and Doctor Golden would be using new technology, unlike the other places I checked out which use old machines and charge a lot for add-ons. I also wouldn’t get to know my surgeon, which is paramount in such a procedure.

I was out of my contacts a week before the surgery and wore my old glasses. I received a patient packet and prepared my sleeping area with eye drops and a checklist for when I would return home and rest. Doctor Golden’s surgery center was stylish and beautiful. It was a relaxing atmosphere, and the assistants were friendly and systematic in applying eye drops before the surgery. I was awake the whole time; I didn’t feel a thing. I lay back on the chair, and Doctor Golden talked with me throughout the whole procedure. My mom was watching him work on my eyes through a monitor outside the room, and she said it was so exciting to watch it happen. The doctor and I took a picture together right after the procedure (as shown), and I had my mom drive me home so I could rest immediately, because I knew a major part of the healing process was that my eyes would be closed three to four days after the procedure. I wanted to achieve the best vision possible, so I went home right away and rested.

I followed Doctor Golden’s patient packet to a “T” and used the eye drops as written. I was not uncomfortable during or after the procedure. I would be fine doing it again; it was a great time to relax and listen to books on audio CD off of my computer. I also had friends come over and bring me flowers or dinner. They would just talk with me as I lay back in my bed with the goggles the doctor gave me; I liked the attention. I also could take off the goggles anytime and see my clear results immediately.

Over the next few weeks, my vision adjusted to be sharper, and when I went back to Doctor Golden’s office, I found out that I now have 20/15 vision. This means I see better than perfect vision, which is 20/20. I also have zero discomfort as I have kept up with the Restasis eye drops, which help your eyes to generate their own natural tears.

I am so glad I had this procedure done, and it was worth more than I had hoped! I wake up every morning and have a huge part of my personal care process eliminated. I don’t ever have to worry about what happens when I am spontaneous and do not have anything like contacts or solution with me, because my eyes are no longer a concern. I don’t have to worry about starving my eyes of oxygen with contacts, or with any more gross bumps growing on my eyelid from contacts and messing up a good makeup job. It doesn’t matter if I have allergies that day; I still see clearly and just fine. I see even better than I ever did with contacts, and I have zero discomfort.

Doctor Golden’s skill and compassion before and after the surgery made it a wonderful experience that I want to share with everyone, because having perfect vision 24/7 was something I couldn’t ever visualize for myself, except for now, when I see clearly thanks to him! You have one life and only two pairs of eyes; I trusted mine to Doctor Golden, and I’m glad I did!