hi all

i have just made an appointment for an eye check up with Optimax TTDI scheduled 2 saturdays from now

like many others, i have read so called 'true horror stories' about complications after undergoing lasik, especially regarding the side effects such as halos, glares, extreme dry eyes and the likes. The stories are somewhat similar, that the side-effects are very serious and although the clients' visions are 20/20, they cannot see clearly or are in pain and its affecting their quality of life. Even worst, nobody can help or know what is wrong with their eyesight.

I know this is not the best place to ask, and of course i will clear my doubts with the surgeon before deciding, but for discussion sake, what do you guys think about these stories? i am worried that the same will happen to me, altho Optimax ttdi claims to have a lifetime warranty (Vision for Life Program)

Are my concerns unfounded?

i can answer this =)

this saturday would be the 3rd week of me having done epi-lasik on both eyes.

why epi-lasik? i was given a choice of either lasik (all-laser) or epi-lasik for my left eye and no choice for my right eye (epi-lasik)

the reason was both my eye corneas were a bit too thin, with the left being on the botherline and right eye being too thin for conventional lasik which involves cutting of a flap. i was recommended to choose lasik on left, and epi-lasik on my right. After the consultation, i decided to do epi-lasik both, as they said my cornea was too thin and therefore if i were to do lasik and if i needed retreatment (touch wood) for undercorrection, it would be very risky and near impossible.
besides, i am only 21 this year, so there is a high chance i might need retreatment in the future.

i assume you know the difference between both procedures? epi-lasik does not involve any cutting, just scraping of the epithelium

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Added on May 25, 2011, 10:39 pmthe healing process is different for everybody and each eye may even heal at a different rate in the same individual.
depends on what you mean by the 'healing' process as well. But generally, lasik offers a faster result and healing, patients can see 20/20 even the next day. there is also less pain involved in lasik compared to epi-lasik. (i was out of action the first 3 days)

this is my third week of having done epi-lasik and i am still not seeing sharply yet. the normal recovery rate is a few months and some may take even up to 6 months. but i can see well enough to read, see the computer screen and drive, tho my far vision is not that good yet. if you are really interested i suggest you book an appointment with the consultants at optimax, they will give you a thorough explanation and answer all your questions as well inform you about all the risks involved.

oh yea, i did have to put up with the contact lens for 5 days. it was an utter discomfort and was so happy when they could finally take it off.
feel free to pm me if you want to know about my experiences =)

This post has been edited by chocoholic221: May 26 2011, 09:49 AM

i was told to be very patient and that my vision will fluctuate. it sure did fluctuate like crazy, one day the left has double vision, the next day gone. another day right eye has double vision, next day gone. and it repeats itself again. until now it is still adjusting and my surgeon (dr stephen) said it will take up to 6 months for it to completely stabilise.

they were unable to check my power during the previous visit as they said my healing has not reached up to the certain point for them to evaluate yet.
hopefully by this saturday they would be able to tell. but for now i can see clearer than without glasses or contact lenses (my prescription power was -4.75 left and -2.75 right, with high astigmatism also)

good to hear you are happy with your vision now, altho isnt 5 months a tad longer than the normal recovery rate for lasik?
can't wait for mine to stabilise =)

i have an existing dry eye problem also before the surgery, now i go thru a box of Refresh Plus (preservative free ones) in a week. (means every week spend rm30 on eye drops alone)

This post has been edited by chocoholic221: May 26 2011, 11:53 AM

i'd be so happy if one box can last me one month! like i said, i finish a box a week now, which is very good compared to the first week when i finished a box in 2 days. i have to put eye drops every 15 minutes as it helps with the pain (i didnt use the anesthetic drops given because the sting hurts like crazy!! which is ironic because it was SUPPOSED to help with the pain)

i only get very dry eyes with the poking feeling when i wake up in the morning. thus every morning i spend like 5 mins putting as many eye drops and eye gel as possible if not i cannot drive for the day.

i hope my vision will clear up soon. i feel quite alone in the recovery process as there are more people who have done lasik compared to epi-lasik
however i did found a couple of good forums, such as asklasikdocs.com and lasermyeye.org

=) I guess

How much was the total price for your procedure? Mine was 7k plus (don't remember the exact amount) for custom epi-LASIK
Many people commented that it was too expensive, I'm tired of explaining that it is not the conventional LASIK procedure using the blade, and optimax ttdi only offers custom laser surgeries

I agree, putting eye drops every hour is a price that I happily pay for the freedom without glasses or contacts!

It has been almost 2 months since my surgery, and my eye power has been recorded at

Left : 25 power and 25 astigmatism
Right : 25 power and 75 astigmatism

Talk about slow healing!!

Very attractive prices, they offer.

I'd probably go for that too if my eyes weren't too troublesome for conventional LASIK.. Eyes too dry, pupil too large, cornea too thin, eye pressure on the botherline..

I think optimax has a branch in Ipoh as well.. You could consider it =) prices range from 2k plus to 3k plus per eye

I see! Or you could always arrange for the surgery to be done in KL if you're particular about which surgeon that is going to perform your procedure =D

No eye makeup & skincare for minimum of 3 weeks. I stayed away for 4 weeks just to be safe.

The recovery rates for different procedures are different. LASIK generally you can expect clear vision within a week. I did epi-LASIK and until now my right eye vision is still not that satisfactory. You can refer back my previous posts if you're interested =)

you can discuss the financial stuff during the consultation session as well =)
when i had my surgery there were no promotions, and the only 'discount' offered was for the referral, and if you choose to settle the total amount in one go. about 10 percent i think if i'm not mistaken.

3388 is for epi-lasik and 3888 for all-laser lasik right?

good luck on your surgery =) dr stephen is very professional, you'll definitely have confidence in him. can be a lil be intimidating tho