“I’m sorry. You should know it was not an easy decision to make. After all, we have been together for 25 good years!
If I had not had you in my life, everything around me would be out of focus, and I wouldn’t have achieve all that I did. But, I think it’s time we go our separate ways. Lately, I feel like your presence has hindered some things I like to do. Sometimes I feel like you’re a bother, making me feel uncomfortable.
Well, I have not been taking very good care of you too. There have been many times that I’ve hurt you and caused you much stress. I’m sure other people will treat you better. I’m just not good with taking care of you anymore.
Please forgive me… I’m sure we’ll be better off without each other.“
30 Sep 2011 – The day I broke up with spectacles, and welcomed ICL into my life.
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I started wearing corrective glasses when I was 8 years old.
2-3 years ago, I started thinking about undergoing the LASIK procedure to correct my myopia, and to not have to rely on spectacles anymore. It was my optician (in Adelaide) who suggested that I consider this option, due to my poor optical power. There are many reasons why I’d like to have such a procedure done, but lifestyle & cosmetic reasons are the 2 main ones. I remember a conversation I had with a colleague 2 years ago. He had LASIK done, and when I asked why, he said he simply wanted to be able to surf & do other water activities with his 2 children without having to be encumbered with spectacles. That got me thinking.
Wearing glasses is the safest way of correcting myopia, but also the most inconvenient – simply because the thing can be easily broken (or bent out of shape). I have broken so many glasses in my life, such that I have a pair of (what I call) indestructible glasses as my spare – a very nerdy pair with coke-bottle-thick lens in a set of plastic, turtle-shell design frames. And, I bring that pair along whenever I play sports or have to be away from home overnight or longer.
After returning to Singapore, Laine and I discussed this LASIK option a few times, and finally in June, I decided to bite the bullet and go for a pre-LASIK screening at a specialist clinic here. Alas, my dream was shattered. My myopia was too high for the thickness of my cornea, so normal LASIK is out of the question for me. The specialist suggested ICL as the best option for me. The down side: it costs 2.2x what LASIK would cost. So, I put the plan on hold.
A conversation with a colleague got me considering having ICL done in Malaysia (she had LASIK done in a clinic in KL). So, I started exploring the possibility. People I’ve spoken to tend to be concerned with the skills & abilities of the Malaysian specialists, but I believe that a well trained specialist with a good record of experience would be fine. I mean, Malaysia does have very good medical facilities (if you’re willing to pay for it!). With the favourable foreign exchange rate, I’d be able to get ICL done in Malaysia at 1/2 the cost in Singapore!
And so, it was decided. I chose to go with VISTA Eye Centre at Johor Bahru (convenient enough for the pre- & post-procedure checks). Throughout the entire process, I was pleased with the care & treatment I received. The specialist is careful to explain to me many things, and addressed all my concerns. I also found out he’s a Christian.
On the day of the procedure, I was excited but apprehensive. The staff all gave me big smiles, as if a prelude to “congratulations”, and the doctor constantly assured me & explained to me as he went through the various processes. The procedure was only 15 minutes long for each eye, and performed in a surgery room, so I had to get into all those surgery gear etc. The numbing drops worked wonders as I totally couldn’t feel a thing, even though my eyes were seeing the doctor prodding surgical tools on it! The only time I felt something was when the lens were actually inserted into my eyes – not pain, just a definite sense of increased pressure within the eye. It was the bright lights that were giving me ‘pain’. My left eye got the treatment first. After the insertion of the IOL, the doctor made sure the pressure in my eyes were under control, and that I could actually see, before we moved on to the right eye. After the right eye was done, I was put under observation for 1 hour, before being cleared to leave for rest. I was in the clinic from 9 am to 5 pm. As I had to be at the clinic 1st thing the next morning for my 1st follow-up check, and I didn’t want the hassle of having to clear customs & driving home, Laine and I checked in at a local boutique hotel for the night.
By the next morning, I have my perfect eye sight. It was confirmed by the optician via eye tests at the clinic, although my right eye by itself is just a little short of perfect. The doctor examined my eyes, and were happy with the healing process, and I left the clinic a happy man that morning. 1 week later, I returned for the 2nd follow-up, and was told everything is on course. The only issue now is that I’m suffering from dry eyes, but was advised that this may clear up in the coming month or 2. In any case, from my research, I know this is something that could possibly happen – calculated risk. And, when I used to wear contact lens, I had this problem too. No dramas. Thanks Doc, bye doc. Next appointment is in mid November.
So, here I am, 17 days after saying goodbye to my spectacles, and totally loving this new-found freedom from glasses!
Oh, and I think Laine likes my new look too! 
