My experiences with Vision One LASIK was a life changing one! I started off by find the Groupon deal online, which I was a little skeptical at first. These are my eyes here and my vision could not be corrected with some bargain price coupon deal.
Upon further research, not only about the procedure itself, but about the Vision One practice as well, I decided to go for it. I waited until I ran out of my monthly/daily contacts and called Vision One at their Arlington Heights location. I set my appointment for about 2-3 weeks once I started wearing my glasses full-time (which is the recommended time frame before going for an initial consultation).
My immediate reaction to Vision One was a very positive one. I was comforted by both the staff as well as Dr. Brand. I was so nervous to actually be taking this step in my life because I have been using contacts and glasses for a good portion of my life. My vision was at -.450 in both eyes with minor astigmatism in each eye as well. Dr, Brand assured me that with the LASIK procedure, that these will not hamper by chances of being a good candidate.
The staff were all very friendly and I felt at home and that I was making the right choice. After my consultation, I set a date for my surgery. I was able to choose a time that was about 2 weeks after my consultation (which again is the recommended amount of time before surgery). I was later given prescriptions for my anti-biotic drops to be taken post-surgery.
The surgery location was in their Lombard facility on a Sunday (not a total deal breaker, but something to keep in mind and yes they did the procedure on a Sunday!). I did everything according to the research and Dr, Brand's orders. I brought someone to take me home after the surgery. On the day of surgery, I did not need any type of sedatives or relaxing medication because I can keep a good sense of being calm. The build-up before the surgery was not as bad as I thought (partially because I had the bears game to ease my nerves). I was shown a great instructional video by Dr. Burger who put any doubts or worries to rest.
The procedure itself was a quick and painless one. I was surrounded by staff who were very supportive towards me and welcomed me into the operating room. The procedure was over before I even knew it. I was awake during the entire procedure and the time that I felt the slightest discomfort was when they put this suction ring onto the eye. That forced my eyes to stay open and not be able to blink. Then the numbing drops came in and soon thereafter, my vision went temporarily blurry. The laser came in and I heard the snapping noises and a slight burning smell. It was about 10 minutes on each eye and I was done. I was again thanked by the staff and was told to "enjoy my new vision." I went home and tried to sleep, which is the best remedy after the numbing drops wore off.
For the next coming days, I slept with the protective goggle mask to prevent me from rubbing my eyes during my sleep. I actually wore it for 2 weeks just to be safe.
It has now officially been two weeks since my surgery and I went in for a follow up (which you must stay on top of when making dates) and I was told that I not only have 20/20 vision, but that I have 20/15, which only happens in the top 10% of patients. I am now seeing clearly and with no issues without the use of contacts or glasses. I am truly in love with my new vision and I could not be happier.
For any doubters, or people that think that getting LASIK done, especially by the Groupon or Living Social deals, would not work or is risky, simply read my testimonial. I was there, I am not a paid actor, I am a real person with real results. Thank you to Dr. Brand, Dr. Burger and the rest of their staff who cared for me and gave me what I have with my sight!
