Jennifer J. Garrett, Ph.D.
Winthrop University
ICL surgery, May 2008
Ten year olds should not wear contacts. At least that’s what my Mother told the eye doctor more than 20 years ago when he made that suggestion. Several months prior to that, glasses had been prescribed for me, but since having “four eyes” was completely unacceptable at that age, the glasses came off my face as soon I as left my parents’ sight. Without glasses, however, I could not see the board at the front of the room and my teachers were becoming more and more concerned. Eventually, their concern, as did my parents’, turned into extreme frustration. All I had to do was wear the glasses and all of my problems would be solved. Of course, it did not happen that way.
Once my Mom agreed to contact lenses, the doctor gave me a week to go home and practice. I had to return to his office to prove that I was capable of putting in and taking out the contacts. After I demonstrated just how responsible a fourth grader could be, I was instructed to wear my new lenses for only four hours per day. That meant I had to take them out while still in school. Let’s just say that several pairs of contact lenses did not make it home from Startown Elementary School.
Fast-forward 15 years later to sore eyes and deteriorating vision. I was having so many problems with my eyes – scratched corneas, infections, and chronic dry eyes – all related to contacts. The amount of money spent on doctor visits, drops, antibiotics, and ointments was impossible for a struggling graduate student. Just a few years ago, my eye doctor in Charlotte, North Carolina informed me that I was allergic to my contacts! I didn’t even know that was possible. I tried nearly every manufactured brand of contact lenses and none were suited for me. It got to the point where I could no longer wear contacts, and knowing how I felt about wearing glasses, my doctor referred me to Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates to see if I was a candidate for LASIK.
Due to extreme nearsightedness (-8.25 in each eye), a slight astigmatism, and thin corneas, I was not a LASIK candidate. This was very disappointing news, but there was one alternative: Implantable Contact Lenses. I was not familiar with this procedure. In fact, it seemed a bit invasive and dangerous. After having many conversations with Dr. Scott Jaben and his staff, I was convinced this was the right option for me. I was hopeful again.
Dr. Jaben and his staff performed my surgery on May 22, 2008. It was easy, pain-free and took about 15 minutes per eye. Three hours after the procedure, I was reading 20/30 on the eye chart and at my one week post-operative appointment, I was reading 20/20. It was amazing! I could not believe how quickly my eyes healed. My surgery was done on a Thursday, and I was back to work on Monday. A month later, I was vacationing in Mexico! For the first time, I was able to open my eyes under water.
It has been nearly two years since I received Implantable Contact Lenses. Life without external contact lenses and expensive solutions is wonderful. I did not realize how much time I spent putting in and taking out my lenses every day. And the best part is no more dry eyes. Before my procedure, I was using rewetting drops every few hours on a daily basis. No more drops! Another very exciting thing is being able to see the alarm clock when I wake up in the mornings. This may sound insignificant, but when you have lived most of your life not being able to see but a few inches in front of your face without corrective lenses, this is certainly noteworthy.
I recently had a routine eye exam with Dr. Jaben, and my vision was 20/20 in both eyes. It feels great to be able to say that. I am so grateful to Dr. Jaben and his staff for encouraging me to make this life-changing decision. Not only has my vision improved, I feel so much more confident than before, personally and professionally. When I was wearing contacts, my eyes were constantly red. Friends and coworkers would often ask me if I was tired or they would make a reference about having too much fun the night before. While these comments were always made light-heartedly, it was embarrassing. Fortunately, I no longer have to worry about the way my eyes look or feel. They are always clear, blue, and comfortable!
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