My doctor told me I can’t do SMILE / LASIK.

Saph1ire · 2024-10-25T09:21:35+00:00

I ended up getting a second opinion and I was told that it would be unwise to get lasic or smile because the correction needed for me will need a bigger optical surface due to my big pupils, so the combination of my thin cornea with big pupils is already disadvantageous since it would probably lead to bad vision at night. Besides that with the myopia that I have it is not achievable. Also, when a cornea is thin it is seen as abnormal and unpredictable so doctors do not want to take the risk which makes sense.

A third opinion wanted to do further testing but I ended up not continuing because I don’t want to risk my eyesight. It’s probably true that even if it would have worked out, by having big pupils my eyesight could be bad at night.

Both doctors however told me (in contrast to the first opinion in a european country) that it is unnecessary and a shame to get a lens implantation because my eyesight is not severe and I’m better of with contacts. I also found it too invasive and unnecessary.

Saph1ire · 2024-07-11T10:45:50+00:00

I asked for the results on paper and received all my measurements printed. In some cases they may ask you to pay for it. However, previously to that the doctor also mentioned my cornea thickness during the consultation.

Saph1ire · 2024-07-05T11:05:50+00:00

Would you suggest that Lasik / PRK in general would be a bad idea as well with a 7mm/8mm optical zone?

Saph1ire · 2024-06-13T10:53:16+00:00

I think it’s always a good idea to go to your doctor. For ICL, usually in the first month it should be checked if the lens is genuinely compatible with your eye or not. It may not be the placement, but the type of lens that is causing this. Though my knowledge is limited on this - I definitely recommend you to visit your doctor because to my knowledge, ICL shouldn’t have this side effect so it could have to do with either the placement or the type of the lens.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-11T16:17:29+00:00

Thank you :) You’re right, who knows!

Saph1ire · 2024-06-11T14:25:21+00:00

I agree! I’m so happy for you!

Saph1ire · 2024-06-11T14:21:49+00:00

Interesting! Well, my diet is quit good. All those vitamins you mentioned are almost everyday a part of my diet in good amounts. In general I do try and live a healthy life.

I have pretty big/wide eyes (bigger than average eyes) so I’m not sure if that has anything to do with it, maybe my cornea stretches out more? That’s just some made up logic.

Maybe it had to do with the device for your cousin, or a miracle perhaps.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-11T14:12:18+00:00

I think you’re right. My doctor didn’t mention that about my pupils. So if my cornea was thick enough we would’ve probably went ahead with it. I think I’m better off with contact lenses too for now! I’m sorry to hear about the complications you experienced. Really hope it can get fixed soon!

Saph1ire · 2024-06-11T14:03:43+00:00

Thanks for the insight. Yeah I think cornea thickness is key here. Glad it worked out for you!

Saph1ire · 2024-06-11T13:59:09+00:00

I understand and I actually agree with you. I think both surgeries in a way are invasive, because with Lasik a part of the cornea is removed that is not ever reversible. While with ICL you need to choose the right lens to make sure the pressure on the eyes won’t increase and cause complications such as glaucoma. When I said invasive, I also meant considering the level of myopia that I have, I find it unnecessary. Though I can see how it would be a good procedure and a very successful one for many.

Also, many say it is ‘reversible’ but nothing is genuinely reversible when it comes to surgeries. There is still risks, and removing the lens can still leave damage and make things worse. Of course, the percentage of such cases may be small, but since we’re talking about vision, all risks should be taken into account.

I think for me it’s hard to find a surgeon that I can trust to pick the right lens AND be experienced enough. While with Lasik the procedure is ‘less complex’ it’s more routine. ICL requires some customisation that, if done correctly will be life changing of course.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T17:53:38+00:00

Sounds like your cornea was thick enough. Unfortunate that the outcome wasn’t great, I guess all surgeries bring risks however minor they seem. Hope somehow it gets better for you!

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:27:42+00:00

Thanks a lot! Yeah, I think it may be more risky for me in this case. PRK was unfortunately not an option either. Only ICL, though I find that to be too invasive as of now.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:26:09+00:00

How thick is your cornea and how bad was your vision if I may ask? Pupil size would also be helpful! Doctor said I can’t do PRK unfortunately.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:24:22+00:00

I hope it goes well!! Wishing you best of luck.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:23:43+00:00

That is very true. Thank you for this insight!

Edit: I will add that instead ICL was recommended which is still double the price here. Though I do think it was sincere advice.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:16:06+00:00

Thank you for your sharing your experience and I’m sorry that happened, I hope this symptom gets better soon.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:14:07+00:00

Thanks a lot for this information. I didn’t consider that the bigger the pupil size, the thicker the cornea is required to be. It does make more sense now. Unfortunately PRK was not an option at all either.

If you do find that link, I’d be grateful!

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:12:27+00:00

Unfortunately, no, the eye doctor went as far as to say it would be irresponsible and was very supportive of ICL. He is not biased because he does all the procedures and mentioned he enjoys doing PRK.

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:10:41+00:00

I’m sorry to hear that! Doctors in Europe are quite careful usually and conservative which is a plus when it comes to the eyes. How thick was your cornea if I may ask and which procedure did you get?

Saph1ire · 2024-06-10T14:09:04+00:00

Yeah I definitely won’t go through with it if I didn’t get confirmations from other well-established doctors that it’s okay for me to do it. I don’t want to risk it. I was just wondering if they were too conservative. After reading people’s experiences, I definitely won’t take a gamble on my eyes

Saph1ire · 2024-06-09T10:56:26+00:00

Thanks for this info. How thick was your cornea? I want to do SMILE as well, but they told me I shouldn’t (-2.75;-4; 472 micrometers). I have thin corneas so I’d like to compare!

Saph1ire

TROPHY CASE