Jeanne
I have been wearing glasses since middle school. I have been disliking my glasses since then as well! I tried wearing contacts in high school and college, but it seemed like no matter what type I tried they were always uncomfortable and dry. So, I was stuck with glasses. To try to make it better, I bought more than 20 pairs of glasses and prescript ion sunglasses from great bargain websites. Even though I received many compliments on my glasses, I never felt confident with them on. It was very rare to ever see a picture of me with my glasses, since I always made sure to take them off for pictures.
When I got to Korea in 2010, I brought along my supply of daily contact lenses that I wore for special occasions. I was stubborn and more and more I wanted to be glasses free. This meant I would put in my contacts and then be armed with a supply of rewetting drops and head ache medicine and also back up glasses.
Finally, in the fall of 2011 as my fiance and I started wedding planning, we decided that we no longer wanted to be frustrated with the pains of glasses. Also, we wanted special occasions such as engagement pictures, wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, and our wedding to be just that, special! We didn’t want anything to get in the way of those exciting days, especially contact troubles or our ugly glasses!
http://www.hellolasik.com/ENG_SITE/
We went to Dream Eye Center for a consultation. We wore our glasses for 3 weeks before the consultation. The second we walked in, I knew we made the right choice! It has a beautiful interior and many English speaking staff members. We were greeted and given beverages. The nurse discussed our glasses/contact history with us in great detail. Then, we were given over 25 tests on our eyes. (The consultation experience lasted for over 2 hours!) I never knew how complex eyes were, until we went in for our consultation. Every part and aspect of our eyes were tested. The machines were all very state of the art and for many of the tests the nurses pulled up the results onto a computer screen to show them to us. At every step we were told what the test was and why they needed to test that thing. All of our results were also explained to us.
After all of the tests, we saw our surgeon/doctor. it turned out that we were both eligible for Lasik. (All of the tests help determine which type of surgery that you’re eligible for and if you need any additional provisions.) Lasik is the vision correction surgery with less pain and a 24 hour turn around for results. It is different from Lasek which has more pain and a much longer recovery and result time.
After our surgery decision, we were then led to a smaller office with a large computer screen and showed images and videos of the different aspects of the Lasik procedure. They explained the entire process and gave a lot of information.
One thing I really liked, is that, for those of us that live in Korea and have been to the doctor here. Asking questions, isn’t a common or acceptable thing at the doctor’s offices in Korea. However, at Dream Eye-every step of the way everything was explained in detail and many many times we were asked if we had any questions or concerns. I felt very comfortable and it felt very “western”.
As we prepared to leave, we were given a very large book with all of our test information recorded in it and it also had very detailed information about what to do before the surgery, what would happen during the surgery, and also about the recovery after the surgery.
Finally the day of our surgery came! Again, we were walked through the steps of the surgery and also asked what kind of music we would like in the recovery room! When we arrived for our surgery, many aspects of our eyes were re-tested to confirm all of the information and we also saw the doctor/surgeon before the surgery. Then, we read a little book that explained with pictures all the steps of the surgery.
Right before the surgery, I can see how someone would be very nervous. I watched my fiance’s surgery. Then, I began to get nervous when it was my turn. But the nurse and doctors were so helpful and calming and supportive that it was hard to feel scared! I was given a lovely pillow to hold onto, throughout the procedure the doctor explained everything that was happening and told me what do to. I had another nurse close to my head who reminded me that I was doing good and gave countdowns during each laser session. Also, the nurse held my hand during the procedure! It was super calming and I felt very comfortable! After it was done, they played the “congratulations” song on the radio and told me I did a great job, it was over, and I was free of glasses forever!
Then I was whisked away to the recovery room to join my fiance. We listened to music, laid on comfortable, heated mattresses, and under very soft and warm blankets. It was a very nice touch since the operating room was cold! After recovery, we saw the doctor again, then we were sent home with colored instructions about what to do that first day of recovery, our drops: anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, and artificial tears. Also we were sent home with goggles to wear while sleeping to prevent any eye touching. The instruction sheet was helpful and told of all the things that might happen that are totally normal and it also told of when to call if you think you have a problem. We wore our caps and sunglasses home. They also sent us home with a very sweet recovery card/get well soon card from the nurse. We also got a text message a few hours after surgery to check in on us. When we got home we rested our eyes by taking a 4 hour nap. After our 4 hour recovery time, we woke up with perfect vision! We put our drops in, and then went back to sleep!
The next morning, we went back for our next day follow up. We also brought all of our old glasses and contacts, which Dream Eye will donate to needy people around the world. At this appointment many aspects of our eyes were tested, had questions asked about our recovery, we saw the doctor. Now we both have 20/13 vision! It is such a blessing to be able to see!
Dream Eye also sent us a 3 days after surgery email reminding of us things we can and can’t do. They are so organized and on top of everything! We are healing very well and are both looking forward to going back for our 1 week check up!
It is still SO amazing to both of us that we are now glasses free!
I would recommend Dream Eye Center to anyone and everyone in Korea! I felt 110% comfortable at all times. All of my questions were answered! Every little thing was thought of and taken care of perfectly. I would have given anything to be able to see without glasses and now that I can, I want to spread the word and knowledge about how amazing Dream Eye Center is to everyone!!!!!
