For the surgery day, we were advised that we should expect that our vision will not be good enough to drive for at least two weeks after the surgery, and that we cannot legally drive until the glasses restriction (if we had one) is removed from our driver’s license. We were also told that we would be 5 days Convalescent Leave to allow for healing/comfort, with a 24 Hour follow up, a Day 4 follow-up, 2 week, 1 month, 3 month and 6 month follow ups. Additionally, we were informed that we will not be permitted to travel outside the local area until our post-treatment contact lenses are removed, which is normally at least 1 week after surgery (but could be more).
On the previously mentioned request form, we had to initial that we understood several aspects of the surgery:
- The following appointments are MANDATORY for ALL patients: One day postop / 4 days postop / 2 weeks / 1 month / 3 months / 6 months.
- I understand that I will not be permitted to travel outside the area until my eye(s) has completed the initial healing phase, which at the earliest will be on my 4-day follow-up, and could be longer.
- Some additional follow-ups will be required if medically indicated. I understand that I may be required to be seen on a daily basis, past the recommended convalescent leave, if medically required.
- I understand that it is illegal to drive without spectacles or contact lenses if my driver’s license requires their use. I agree to find out, before having PRK, what I will need to do to change the restriction on my driver’s license, if needed.
- I understand that all costs of travel, meals, lodging, and associated expenses will be borne by either me or my command, and that, although I will be able to return to full duty after my convalescent leave expires, I will not be medically cleared for “full and unrestricted” duty until I have completed postoperative medications (in most cases, this is 4 weeks).
- I understand that children under age 12 are not to be brought to my pre-op, surgery, or post-op appointments and that I will make child care arrangements accordingly.
- I am currently on regular active duty status; I am not an activated reservist or a training reservist.
- I have read and understand the contents of the instruction letter.[/oi]
According to the hospital, more than 80% of all patients attain an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better 2 weeks after the surgery. 20/40 is newspaper print at 16 inches. Many achieve it sooner, some later.
Patients may not PT until the contact lenses are removed. Except for showering, the patient must stay out of water for 30 days after the surgery. Also for the next thirty day, no combat fighting, martial arts, boxing, extreme sports, diving, parachuting, rock climbing, bungee jumping, hot tubs, hang gliding… don’t take a finger to the eye playing basketball (get the idea?).
Medications received:
- Motrin (800mg) - the Military’s wonder drug for pain and swelling management.
- Lortab Pills - for pain management. This may cause nausea. If so…
- Phenergan Pills - for nausea caused by Lortab.
- Tetracaine Drops - for pain management. Numbs of the eye almost immediately.
- Genteal drops – artificial tears for lubrication
- Vigamox Drops – antibiotic
- Flour-op drops – steroid for the aid of corneal healing.
And so, the day arrived. 15 December.
0700. The group numbers about twenty-three all told (not all are from the ship). One hour of re-iteration about the medications and their dosages, numbers in case of emergency while on leave. Then, we are assigned by rank as to who goes first.
0800. The surgeon comes in to inform that there are warning indicators on the laser system, indicating it is putting out too much power. They are test operating on it to see if the power fluctuations come under control as it warms up. He won’t cancel anyone’s procedure unless it remains out of specs for three hours. So we wait.
0835. The surgeon comes to inform the group that the system is now steady and within correct parameters, and he is ready to take the first patient.
09something (I was nervous. Sue me). My turn. A brief walk down to a seat outside the laser room. The attendant takes from me my glasses. Then, a drop of Tetracaine in each eye. As I wait my turn, I can hear the technician and the doctor talking back and forth – verifying the patient’s name, which eye is being operated on, the length of time for the laser to be energized. As the laser is energized, I hear the “snap, snap, snap” of each brief laser blast. The individual in from of me has a 34 second treatment on his eye.
