After speaking with many patients, several requested that I set up a place where they could tell their stories. I have set aside this area so that their stories, in their own words would be relayed to the world. The following are the patients' unedited comments. In addition, several of these patients have included their email address so that should you have questions/concerns/etc. and would like to get their perspectives and experiences, you can send these requests directly to them. They truly understand what it is like to be in a similar position as yourself and are eager to help in any way they can. I hope that you find this patient perspectives area useful.
Dr. Maller,
I would just like to say Thank You for all the advice and invaluable help you have given me over the last 2 years.
From the very opening of our correspondence you have given me hope, encouragement and most importantly honest help.
I would like to write a short summary of my situation which I would like you to post in case it can help any one else suffering as I am.
As my vision was R: SPH +4.00 CYL -5.50 AXIS 161 and L: SPH +4.25 CYL -6.50 AXIS 177, I was evidently a high astigmatism case. I visited my Ophthalmologist a few years previously and was told that I wasn't an ideal candidate for refractive surgery. I thought after years had passed that the technology might have developed further, and returned once more. On this occasion I was told by my Ophthalmologist that with significant developments in technology I would now be suitable for surgery. I was warned however that I mightn't achieve 20/20 vision. On asking as to the side effects and possible problems that might occur I was constantly reassured that such problems were in the past. The only risk was that I might have to wear reading glasses in the future.
So I went ahead and had PRK Laser Eye Surgery in February 2006 in a well known Private Clinic in Dublin, Ireland. Thankfully she only did my left eye first, as from the outset I noticed irregularities in my vision as my cornea healed. There was always a splaying of light to the west of objects in low light situations. Although this was irregular, it was by no means debililtating and for nearly 1.5 years I continued on medication and encouragement from my Ophthalmologist that all would be okay. My Ophthalmologist convinced me that it was an undercorrection on her behalf and that it was easily remedied.
In June 2007 I underwent the 2nd Surgery on my left eye. During the healing process I again noticed that there was something wrong. It was however much worse, worse than I could ever imagine. When I looked at a traffic light from my left eye only, It was as if there were 10 lights in a row side by side. I think the worst part about it was that it crept into my day time vision also. I had just finished college, got a great job and I couldn't see right!!! Also as a person that loves working outdoors and late into the night this was a disaster. Even in a restaurant with my friends I couldn't make people out. Then the headaches started as I was straining my eyes so much. I still wore my glasses for my right eye vision which caused an imbalance between both eyes. This was the cause of the headaches that I still suffer today. Thankfully though, they are significantly reduced. It is therefore pointless to have one eye done first because if there's a problem you will be left with this imbalance as I have.
It was really tough. I fell into awful bouts of depression but still soldiered on, trawling the web at every opportunity looking for a solution. My Ophthalmologist saw me a few times after, trying to convince me that I had gone crazy, but when she saw me one day close to the edge, she admitted that I had a problem. The technical term was High Order Aberrations (HOA), an acronym that meant nothing to me a few years ago, but everything today. Since then I haven't heard from her, even though she is supposed to be locating a "solution" for me.
I searched high and low……... the internet is a wonder!! After reading various articles, websites etc. I came across Dr. Maller's name as a Optometrist specializing in Post Laser Surgery Problems. I began corresponding with Dr. Maller and received for once, some positive feedback. It was lovely to hear something positive for a change instead of staring into a dark abyss. My hopes began to rise, and after I spoke with my Optometrist in Ireland I was delighted as he supported the concept and theory behind Z-Wave technology. I tried to be realistic about this and incorporated my annual vacation in the trip. As I was never in the USA, I thought I would take the opportunity to spend some time in Florida. If all else failed I would have a great time in Fort Lauderdale, Miami & Key West. I was secretly hoping though that I would be miraculously cured the day of arrival. Things however are seldom so simple and I remained cautious.
I arrived in September (a great time of the year to go as it's Hurricane season….not!!). The next day I had my appointment with Dr. Maller for 08:30 and arrived at the clinic an hour early. We got straight to it and he started measuring up my eyes. I received my first pair of lenses on the Wednesday. The fit was good, but vision was poor so he sent off to the lab again for some new contacts. They arrived Friday and the vision was significantly better. I kept the lenses on and my partner and I went to Key West for the weekend to let them settle. I did find that they were initially slightly uncomfortable after a few hours, but like everything in life you have to persist. As I sit here writing this today, I have now being wearing them for 10 hours so I would definitely say that they are very comfortable. I never forget that I am wearing them, but they are never unsettling. Actually though, if a big lump of dust gets in, it can be pretty sore!!
It was found after the weekend in Key West however that my eyes weren’t working together as they were seeing different objects for so long. This is a direct result of having surgery in the one eye only. I think it's only now, and after wearing the lenses for 4 months that they are starting to synchronize once more. My vision has steadily improved since I left Florida……let the good times roll!!
The great news is that the glare is gone, and these 'wings' that I saw for so long, disappear when I am wearing the lenses. They allow me more comfort in every aspect of life, from work, eating out, meeting friends, sports, absolutely everything. I have now gotten into my rhythm of cleaning at night and maintaining good hygiene so things are now routine.
There is however a 'teardrop' effect on the left lens (operated eye) which I see whilst wearing the new lenses. Due to the restricted time frame that we were working within, Dr. Maller recommended the scleral lens to try to nullify the teardrop effect but it unfortunately wouldn't sit correctly on my eye and that method was abandoned. I have been told by Dr. Maller that this 'teardrop' is a fitting issue, and can be resolved in the future. I believe him. Now I just have to save up enough money to take the trip over the water to 'Sunny Florida' once more. I am confident that with another trip to Dr. Maller in a couple of years, we can improve on what has already been a life change.
All in all the trip was definitely worth it. I have this handicap for the rest of my days and being 28, that's quite a few…..but you move on. One has to accommodate such a disability and march on. It's definitely not easy, but with people like Dr. Maller around, with his skills and expertise, it's that bit easier.
It was a long road to get where I am but I am glad to be here.
If anyone would ever like to contact me about anything in relation to this, please see details below.
Regards,
Jamie Corcoran
Jamie Corcoran
Dublin, Ireland
If you would like to contact Jamie Corcoran, you can e-mail him directly, here.
Tel: +353 (87) 742 8626
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