By Criss
In 2019, at the age of 31, I decided to undergo eye surgery. The reasoning behind this decision was quite personal. I was engaged and struggling with contact lenses for my upcoming wedding, which was just a few months away. It may seem like a small issue now, but at the time, it was significant
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The Decision and Assurance
My mother and several friends had undergone laser eye surgery and recommended it as an option. I wanted to be free of the hassle of glasses or contacts on my wedding day. Being quite active and frequenting the gym, the idea of not having to wear glasses was appealing.
I made an appointment to see if I was a candidate for the surgery. After a thorough evaluation, they confirmed that I was a perfect candidate. I spent roughly a month weighing the pros and cons before deciding to proceed.
The surgeon assured me that the procedure was extremely safe, calling it one of the safest surgeries in the world. He spent a considerable amount of time convincing me of its safety, which was crucial as I was quite anxious.
The Surgery and Unexpected Outcomes
On the day of the surgery, I was very anxious. The thought of something going inside my eye was daunting. My partner, who was incredibly supportive, accompanied me.
Before the surgery, the medical team gave me Valium to help me stay calm. Initially, I was scheduled for LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), but due to my anxiety, they switched to PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) during the procedure because I couldn’t keep the suction cup for LASIK steady due to my nerves.
After the surgery, which lasted about 15 minutes, I went home to rest. The next day, I began feeling a lot of pain and discomfort. At a follow-up appointment, I was told that the pain I was feeling was normal, part of the immediate recovery phase. They assured me that I would be fine to return to work by Monday. However, the pain worsened over the week and persisted for months.
Long-Term Effects and Advocacy
I developed extreme light sensitivity, making it difficult to go outside or look at screens. This condition also lasted for several months. I was constantly in pain. During this time, my partner and I had to block out light from our home, and I wore dark sunglasses even indoors.
The light sensitivity eventually improved, but the pain did not. I took a month off work, as I struggled to function normally. I reached out to the clinic multiple times, but their responses did little to alleviate my distress.
Despite their efforts, I still experience pain daily, even five years later. Some days are more manageable than others, but the unpredictability of the pain can make life challenging.
As for legal action, I considered it but decided against it due to the potential costs. My interactions with the surgeon’s team were uncomfortable, and I eventually cut off contact, requesting that any necessary information be communicated through my GP.
I filed a formal complaint with the health department, which was still being investigated when the surgeon unfortunately passed away from COVID-19. This added a twist to my story, but the investigation led to changes in the clinic’s policies regarding patient information on the risks of corneal neuralgia.
Conclusion
O verall, this journey has been a roller coaster. I no longer share this story often, partly because of the surgeon’s passing. However, I feel it’s important for others to be fully informed before undergoing such procedures. My experience highlights the need for thorough communication and informed consent in healthcare.
Erin Orchard is a 36-year-old student from Sydney, Australia, currently studying for her Master of Occupational Therapy. Alongside her studies, she is deeply involved in animal welfare as the Cat Coordinator at Maggie’s Rescue. She also provides pet-sitting services for dogs and cats in her local area.
