Here's a look at my time at the New Vision Laser Center in Hagerstown

http://www.wfre.com/cc-common/gallery/photos.html?album_id=308650#/0/18679209

In June of 2011 I finally broke down and went to see the eye doctor because I knew I had vision issues.  I was told I would have to get glasses.  I needed to get my driver's license renewed and probably was not going to pass the vision test so I couldn't put it off anymore.  In the 7 months that I had my glasses, I had to replace the lenses once and was in need of replacing them again.  And to think I paid extra for special scratch resistant lenses.

From the moment I was told I would need glasses, I started thinking about the options: contacts and LASIK.  Over the next several months I talked to friends who had done one or the other...or both.  I got mixed reviews from the contact users and several contact users late made the the decision to have LASIK.  Everyone I talked to about LASIK gave it the thumbs up.  Seriously, not a single person I spoke to said bad things about it.  Often the response was, "LASIK was the best money I ever spent."  Or, "My only regret was I didn't do it sooner."  Although I'm not a big fan of "surgery," I was now looking seriously at LASIK as my best vision option.  That what led me to Dr. Gladsden at the New Vision Laser Center in Hagerstown.

The first step was to call 800-NEW-VISION to ask a few questions, get some information and set up an appointment to discuss my concerns and find out is LASIK would be right for my eyes.  Not everyone qualifies for LASIK, so it was possible that I might not.

Dr. Gladsden and his staff ran me through a series of free eye exams to gather the information he would need to determine if I was a good candidate for LASIK.  The exams were quick, easy and painless.  The best part was, the results should I was a good candidate for LASIK. 

Dr. Gladsden then explained to me everything I needed to know about the procedure and the risks involved.  He really did set all my fears at ease and I decided I wanted to move forward.  The only preparation I had to do prior to the procedure was to make sure I put lubricating eye drops in my eyes for a couple of weeks prior to my appointment.

On Wednesday, January 18th I went to the New Vision Laser Center on the Dual Highway in Hagerstown and Dr. Gladsden performed my LASIK.  Dr. G and his staff did a good job of talking me through the entire process and keeping my surgery anxiety at a low level.  The entire procedure only took about 10 minutes or so for each eye and the results really were instant.  The moment I sat up after it was over I felt as if I had my glasses on.  My vision was sharper and clearer than it had been in years.  My vision had been restored and now my vision is better than 20/20.

For the first few days after the procedure I had to use some special eye drops and wear protective goggles (they kind of resembled what you would see a skier wear) while I slept.  I was aksed not to use my computer, do any reading or texting for the remainder of the day...however I was allowed to watch TV while my eyes recovered.  The next day I could do everything I normally would do, I just could do it now without my glasses.  I again have to use lubricating eye drops for awhile to combat some post LASIK dry eye, but otherwise everything is back to normal.

If you have ever considered looking into LASIK, now is the time.  Through January 31st, you can get a special buy one eye get the second eye at half price special.  Call 800-NEW-VISION to get the information you need and get the process started.  You can also find information online at www.newvisionnow.com and follow my progress on my Facebook page which is Don Brake on 99.9 WFRE.

If you are a parent of a student at Va Tech and need information, you may call 540-231-3787 or sit www.vt.edu.