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The Lasik Vision Institute
Category: Optometrists [Edit]
Neighborhood: University City3636 Nobel Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 202-0374
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
2 reviews for The Lasik Vision Institute
I was the girl with glasses. You know four eyes. Either you are one of them or you have made fun of them. Wearing glasses made swim team in high school much more difficult. It also made sleep overs and a fun day at the beach a potential nightmare. Do I have a spare pair of contacts? Do I have my glasses as a backup?
I finally reached my breaking point backpacking, 10,000 feet up from the world, when I had to hike down the mountain with one eye at dusk. I started my Lasik research as soon as I got home. And wow, was I over-whelmed. Do I go where the Chargers go or do I go where Jessica Simpson went? Tough choices.
I wanted Lasik and I wanted it now. Unfortunately there is a process for getting this kind of surgery. First you have to wear glasses for a month. No contacts and trust me they will know if you cheat. No makeup and no swimming.
I chose LVI because the head doctor worked for the Air Force. I figured if he fixed the eyes of our soldiers flying planes he would be alright. The first appointment was easy. I watched a video and had my eyes tested in strange ways I didn't know existed. Not so bad so far right?
Well then the freak-out happens. It's the day of your surgery and people have been telling you horror stories for weeks. Luckily, I filled my prescription for the Valium they gave me. Two pills, one before and one for after. And trust me they check this too. There is no changing two to twenty.
I sat watching a video in the waiting room. I think it was Bridge to Teribithia. Then they called me. It was just for drops. And then they called me again for more drops. Pretty soon my eyes were so dilated, I couldn't't see the video. I waited as people staggered out of the surgery room, arms linked with their drivers (you can't drive home from Lasik yourself).
Finally it was my turn. I went into the small waiting room outside of the surgery room with two other people. Both were ahead of me. One guy wasn't even offered the Valium prescription. He was the one who couldn't sit down. He was essentially bouncing off the walls. They gave us little zipper packs of drops, a black ski mask to wear out into the day light, sleeping masks and take care recipe.
My turn, the nice nurse lady held my glasses and zipper pack and I went into the surgery room. Finally I met the doctor. He said hi and talked me through the process. I felt prepared. Maybe it was the Valium but I thought this is going to be great.
The doctor taped my eyelashes to my eyebrows. Then he inserted a thing that looks like one of those dental floss piks to hold my eyes open. I knew what should happen but until the first eye was done, I didn't know what was really going to happen.
They turned on the lasers and told me to be very still (it could mess things up terribly is what they said), which is very hard to do, even on Valium. Then it began. I saw the lights of the laser and focused on being still. There is no possible way to close your eyes with the Scotch tape and flossing pik. Then everything went black. I though, OMG I am blind. But wait they told me this would happen... So I waited and suddenly, albeit quickly I was in the most excruciating pain. My eye ball was literally being sucked out of my eye. They pulled out my eyeball. Then it was over.
They said, "Ready for the left eye." I wanted to run but I am pretty sure they had me in restraints because I didn't move. I focused on my breath and again: laser, blind, sucking pain, over. All of it took about five minutes. It felt like a lifetime. "You can sit up now." Like a dog, I shook my head and there it was a little blurry but a miracle nonetheless. I could see. I sat with the doctor and he examined my eyes quickly, told me to take care and I walked out. At home, my beau downloaded a book-on-tape. I wasn't allowed to watch TV and they highly recommended just keeping my eyes closed. I was terribly bored for the rest of the day but the next morning I woke up and I could see. Honestly, no problems.
No more glasses by the nightstand, no more ordering contacts, none of that. For a while I kept thinking before bed I had to take out my contacts or in the morning and I looked for my contacts to put them in. No need. But I could see! There is the night vision but that is a common side effect and it hasn't slowed me down. Squint at a light and see the rays that come off the light and that is your night vision. I can still drive at night no problem.
I have now completely forgotten that I got Lasik and I love that. If you're thinking of Lasik eye surgery, check out Lasik Vision Institute. The cost varies based on what kind of surgery you have but runs about $1500-$2000 per eye. They also work with you on payments and if you pay cash you may be able to negotiate a discount. Go see the world. See it with out contacts.
Side note: I gave four stars because they are closed on Tues. & Wed. and LVI doesn't do email reminders on appts.
I can see! I went in on a Saturday, and by the next Saturday I was in surgery. The surgery itself lasted only 5 minutes, and after only 4 hours, I was able to see perfectly. No side effects, no dry eyes, totally perfect. Dr. Chu does the consultation and post op exams and is wonderful to work with. The best $3000 I ever spent.
