Sharing Success

To the doctors and staff at TLC:

Just left Dr. Schleichers office here in Ann Arbor for my "day after" follow up visit. He says the flaps are beautiful and healing quickly already. As of today, I have 20-20 vision. To my surprise, I can't tell you how profoundly this had affected me. Last night and this morning, I found myself crying every time I looked across the room or across the street and was incredulous at what I was seeing WITHOUT GLASSES. It doesn't seem possible that I won't be removing my contact lenses and still be nearsighted. These are the best tears of joy and amazement I ever remember, and it doesn't take much reflection on my part to know why:

Because I hated my first pair of glasses in 1957 as a seven year old, and every pair thereafter.

Because hardly any other kid wore glasses and I did.

Because I was a tomboy that constantly lost and broke my glasses.

Because this often made my parents angry as they couldn't really afford them in the first place, much less replace or repair them.

Because I couldn't get contact lenses as a teenager because we couldn't afford them, but wanted them more than anything.

Because I remember all the times I simply wouldn't wear my glasses for the sake of vanity... school proms, first dates, school pictures..and of course couldn't see much of anything during those times.

Because at one time I wanted to be an airline stewardess and couldn't because of my vision.

Because it was nearly impossible to enjoy swimming or skiing or a roller coaster or any other activity where I would be fearful of losing my glasses or of being embarrassed and frustrated not being able to see.

Because even after getting my first pair of hard contact lenses I still had to have glasses for first thing in the morning or in case I lost a contact lens or in case my eyes couldn't tolerate contacts that day or because...?

Because even with the contact lenses its always been a chore (no, make that a real pain in the ____) to constantly check before leaving the house that I have my spare contact lenses, regular glasses, prescription sun glasses, non-prescription sun glasses, saline solution, eye lubricants, etc.

Because even after having extended wear and disposable soft lenses, the worst and scariest part of being nearsighted still remained - I couldn't function without them.

Because I never dreamed that in my lifetime I could have 20-20 vision again.

My thanks to all of you ----- you are a friendly and fun bunch of folks... and will recommend TLC and the LASIK procedure to anyone who will listen.

Susan Perry
Ann Arbor, Michigan