Laser eye surgery patient profile: Lucile’s LASEK journey
Meet Lucile, nurse at Optimax Peterborough
Lucile is a Registered General Nurse in our Peterborough clinic. She works alongside our surgeon and laser assistants on treatment days to ensure that surgery runs smoothly for Optimax patients. She’s an integral part of the team and is one of the many important cogs needed to keep the treatment day wheels turning! After having assisted so many patients on their journey to clear vision, Lucile decided to look into having laser eye surgery herself.
Lucile had worn glasses for her entire life but, as she lives such an active lifestyle and participates in so many sports, they have always been a nuisance for her. Hearing so many Optimax patients, day in day out, say “I wish I’d done it sooner” was just what Lucile needed to go ahead with her own laser eye surgery.
We spoke to Lucile a couple of days after her treatment to hear about how her experience has been so far and to understand more about how it’s made an impact to her life.
What made you want to get laser eye surgery?
I had glasses since I was six months old, so they always have been a part of me – an annoying part though! I do various activities including martial arts, indoor skydiving, trail running and fencing, which always gave me a dilemma: glasses or contact lenses? Either option could be a pain. Wearing glasses with a helmet isn’t practical. Then, what do I do if I lose one or both of my contact lenses in the middle of an activity? So, I would say my choice to go for laser eye surgery was down to a few factors: freedom of movement, better self-esteem, fewer things to worry about, and a good investment (measured up against the price of glasses and contact lenses over the years). To put it simply, I just wanted improvement in my quality of life!
How strong was your prescription prior to surgery?
I was -4.50 for the right eye and -4.25 in my left eye. I also had astigmatism. This is a moderate short-sighted prescription, meaning Lucile had trouble seeing objects in the distance.
What was the Optimax experience like in the clinic?
I was actually working on my treatment day. It helped me to be distracted and not really think about the laser when it came to my turn. The staff on the day were nice and friendly. Furthermore, as I already knew them, it made everything easier for me. I was more confident going in for my treatment, thanks to them.
Did your experience as an RGN change the way you approached surgery?
The great thing about already being part of the team is that I knew exactly what was going to happen. Also, I knew all the staff working, and I had already asked so many questions to everyone – this definitely made me more relaxed. However, being on the other side of the treatment as the patient is slightly different... because this time it's my eyes!
How was your recovery process?
My recovery is going well. I now have no pain at all, but I had quite a bit of discomfort during the first 48 hours. Lubricant drops are magic though, never underestimate them. Lucile opted for LASEK surgery which has a longer recovery time than LASIK. You can read more about the difference between the two types of laser eye surgery here.
How has your life changed after treatment?
I still have the habit of trying to re-adjust my glasses on my nose... I am amazed that every time I open my eyes I am able to see properly! I mean, how wonderful is that?! For me, it does mean a lot. In a way I feel more powerful now.
