Bug Eyes

I had to keep these things on all day yesterday. I had to sleep in them too. I could take them off this morning, but I do have to sleep with them on for the next week. They protect my eyes as well as keep moisture in, which is key to my eyes' healing, so I will do it gladly. I was totally drugged in these pictures, but Matt insisted on taking several shots. Here is my super model pose and my flight pose:0)

I was feeling a bit shaky as I arrived at the Lasik surgery center yesterday morning. All the staff there was so friendly and helpful, which helped to ease my fears. The first thing they did was give me a Valium. By the time it was time for me to go into the surgery room I was feeling very relaxed. The doctor and his assistants let me hear the sound of the laser beforehand so I would know when they were doing the actual procedure. My brother-in-law's Mom works there and normally assists with cataract surgeries, but she got special permission to be with me in the room. I was so appreciative that she cared enough about me to be there. It did provide me with comfort. I kept hearing her say, "Tonya, i'm here". Then I would feel her touch my leg or arm for reassurance. My sister is so lucky to have such a great mother-in-law. The actual procedure was so fast! I felt no pain. Pressure for sure, but no pain. During the procedure there is a brief period where you have no sight at all. The doctor asked me to tell him when the world went gray. As soon as I told him that the world was no longer visible the lasers did their thing. The thing that suprised me is that I could smell the laser or the burning tissue. I don't know what it was, but there was a distinct smell during the procedure. The doctor then put my cornea back into place and put a couple different types of drops into my eyes and my vision came back. For the first 6 or so hours after the surgery all I did was sleep. This is key to making sure that my eyes stay hydrated and get to work healing. Thanks to Valium and Tylenol P.M. I was able to take my 6 hour nap and sleep through the night. When I woke up this morning my eyes felt a little scratchy, but nothing major. I wasn't sure that I was seeing better, but I knew that I was not blind. The main test to checking out my new vision was when I got into the car to drive to my vision appointment this morning. Holy moly! Everything looked so crisp. I could read gas prices off in the distance. I could read exit signs on the freeway & street signs. I could see license plate numbers. The leaves on the trees looked so individual! No more blur. I was amazed! The doctor had told me that my vision might not improve right away, but would improve during healing, so I was beyond excited at how much of a change I noticed. When my eyes got tested today I had 20/15 vision. That is beyond perfect vision. CRAZY! The doc says that my vision will fluctuate over the next few weeks as my eyes heal, but that they should only get better and even more clear. I am so happy with the results. I will get tested again in a week and in a month to see the progress of my healing as well as my vision. I am so excited to go and buy over the counter sunglasses. I don't know why that excites me so much, but it does:0) A big huge thanks to my mother-in-law who took me to my appointment yesterday, brought me home, took care of my kids after school, made dinner for our family, and called this morning to see if she could help some more. You are an amazing woman and I love you so much! Also a big thanks to those of you who helped with kids yesterday and during pre-op appointments. You're love and support is so appreciated! I am also so grateful for the e-mails and calls to check on my welfare as well as all the blog comments! My friends and family are truly remarkable! I will keep you all posted on my progress:0)