Over the years, the number of people opting for refractive surgery has increased. Part of this trend is based on technological advancements, but above all, on the widespread opinion among patients who have already undergone the procedure, which is quite favorable and speaks volumes about the success rate of this surgery. After all, who doesn't know someone who said that having the surgery was one of the best decisions they ever made? However, this doesn't mean that doubts about the procedure or uncertainties about the outcome are eliminated. For this reason, at our center, we believe it is vitally important that patients ask all their questions and have the assurance that they have been thoroughly evaluated to determine the best technique for their individual needs.
And speaking of questions… one issue that often sparks interest is the classic question of why ophthalmologists and vision professionals continue to wear glasses. While it's entirely a personal decision, in our case, we're pleased to point out that many of our staff members have gone without glasses, from some of our ophthalmologists to the nursing staff, our receptionists, and even the optometrist writing this. This gives us a more personalized and comprehensive understanding of the process, which we can then share with our patients. When considering surgery of this kind, we believe it's essential to choose the right team of specialists, one that can answer all your questions and with whom you feel confident.
In an objective assessment, it's worth noting that every surgical procedure has its limitations and shouldn't be generalized, as each case is different and therefore its recovery process varies. As with everything in life, the most important thing is to use common sense during the recovery period. This means being aware that we must take special care in the days before and after surgery, following all the prescribed guidelines and avoiding exposing our eyes to actions or situations that could pose any risks.
Many of our patients wonder what they will feel and how long it will take for them to see perfectly. Regarding this, it's normal for vision to fluctuate at first, as the brain needs to adjust to the new situation, which happens over several days. It's also normal to experience a gritty sensation and, in some cases, episodes of dry eyes. With the appropriate treatment plan, these symptoms usually subside without further complications. However, most patients achieve excellent vision at their follow-up appointment the next day.
If you generally want to improve your quality of life, and in particular you're not very careful with your contact lenses, don't think twice, because in the long run you might find yourself saying something we hear here every day: "I wish I had done it sooner!"
Cristina Peña Betancor
Optician-Optometrist
NIVARIA CLINIC