Ophthalmologist experiences iLASIK
Dr Nick Mantell from Eye Institute is the first ophthalmologist in New Zealand to undergo iLASIK and experience exactly what he explains to patients in his day-to-day practice as a refractive surgeon.
After considering refractive laser surgery for the last five years Dr Mantell finally took the plunge and couldn’t be happier.
“I used contact lenses and occasionally glasses which were okay but I found the peripheral distortion and frames annoying,” explained Dr Mantell. “I was pretty comfortable wearing contact lenses but always found it a bit of a hassle putting them in and removing them and whilst travelling.
“Although I was a low myope I hated having uncorrected vision and really enjoy lots of outdoor and water sports so refractive laser was the obvious choice. Finally after I have been performing iLASIK on patients for two years I felt that I really had to show my confidence in the technology and have the procedure myself.”
Dr Mantell was - 1.75 in each eye with about 0.5 diopters of cylinder pre-operatively and post-operatively has 6/5 vision bilaterally.
“I am 43 and although I will develop presbyopia I chose to have full correction rather than blended vision and had no concerns about having both eyes done at the same time. iLASIK is an incredibly safe procedure.”
Eye Institute colleague, Dr Tony Morris and his team performed the procedure for Dr Mantell.
“They were fantastic and I can’t complement them enough,” enthused Dr Mantell. “I didn’t offer any advice, I told him to treat me like any other patient. Too many cooks spoil the broth. I am sure Tony was more nervous than I was.”
Dr Mantell found the procedure quite different to what he expected; a very surreal experience.
“I was quite aware of what was happening but it felt a bit like a dream. It was very comfortable and straightforward. It’s fantastic to now have some insight into what the patient is going through and has helped fine-tune some of our procedures with patients."
Dr Mantell found the recovery to be more straight forward than what he tells patients. His vision immediately post-op was better than expected and there was only minor discomfort.
“That evening my eyes were a little watery but I was happy watching TV. I could drive the next day and would have been okay for work. I did my first cataract list on day six post-op with no problems and performed two epiretinal membrane peels two weeks post-op. These membranes lie on the retina, are transparent, and only a few microns thick. This would be one of the most visually challenging surgeries performed in any speciality. This was straightforward and in-fact I felt I could visualise the membranes better than pre-op, suggesting improved contrast sensitivity. Amazing.”
Having experienced the procedure himself Dr Mantell sees that he is now in a better position to discuss the procedure with patients, as he can give them a first hand account.
“I definitely tell them I have had iLASIK. I can also speak more confidently about the procedure and what to expect. Patients really appreciate that I have put my faith in the iLASIK technology and this gives them great confidence.
“Given that I was managing well with contact lenses I have been surprised at just how much of a difference it has made to my daily life. It is only in hindsight that I realise the limitations of wearing contacts or glasses. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend surgery to a suitable patient.
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