WOW, REMARKABLE VISION
WOW! Where should I begin this journey of thanks, love, and appreciation? I am writing this letter to thank Dr. Wallace and everyone on his staff for the wonderful care that I have received over the last two years. After my initial PRK surgery (at another facility, by another doctor) I was left with severe haze in both eyes. The haze was caused by the scar tissue growing over my cornea at the place where the laser treatment had been rendered. The haze made it almost impossible for me to see with or without corrective lenses. It was like looking through the windshield of a car that had not been washed for several months and no matter how much I rubbed it wouldn’t go away.
By the time I came to see Dr. Wallace, I could no longer read the big “E” on the eye chart and I felt like someone had place a piece of wax paper over my eye.
In short, my case was extreme!
Dr. Wallace worked with me to remove the initial hazing and my initial vision was remarkable. Unfortunately, this lasted only three months before the hazing returned with a vengeance. I was rapidly losing hope that I would ever be able to see clear again but Dr. Wallace remained positive that there was something we could do.
As a veterinary food inspector in the United State Army Reserve and a reading specialist teacher I needed to see things up close, which was virtually impossible. As a soldier, I was unable to qualify on my weapons as I could not see any of the targets; even the targets as close as 25 meters. As a teacher, I could not follow as students read aloud nor could I read anything they wrote. Life was miserable and what made matters worse, my students and my unit was suffering at my expense.
As for other areas in my life, I am a passionate softball/baseball player (playing in three leagues on different days of the week) and an avid golfer. Needless to say, I was no longer able to play either because it was impossible for me to see, hit, or track the flight of any balls. It became dangerous for me to participate in any of these activities.
After a great deal of research and consultation, Dr. Wallace prescribed a way to clear the haze from my eyes using a form of surgery that required a corneal cleaning, polishing, and treatment with a special medication called Mitomycin. I also conducted my own in-depth research of the medical literature on haze formation after PRK, and I found the exact same results and names of the people that Dr. Wallace would later tell me about. Mitomycin had been used in other situations to prevent the formation of the scar tissue. This knowledge gave me confidence and trust that this procedure would work for me and I would be able to see again. He conducted the surgery on my right eye and adjusted the post-operational care in accordance with his experience, research, and consultation with other experts in the field. Six months later, I have had the same procedure in the left eye and I am confident that the same results will be achieved.
In my eyes, Dr. Wallace is the expert that has guided me through this unclear path.
During the entire journey, Dr. Wallace and his staff have stayed positive and professional. They have worked with me and created Saturday appointments for me when I have had to leave town at a moments notice because of military obligations in San Antonio, Texas and the Persian Gulf. They have been an answered prayer for my wife and I and we can never express our gratitude enough. Thank you for the gift of sight.
Doctor Wallace says:
One of the biggest concerns virtually everyone has when they contemplate vision correction surgery is the big question:”What if something happens and my vision is crummy after surgery?”
It is reassuring to know that in many cases where patients have achieved less than desirable results from their laser treatment, problems can be corrected and vision can be improved or restored.
One consequences of becoming well-regarded in any community is that a surgeon will be called upon to evaluate and treat patients that have experienced problems, complications, or adverse consequences from laser vision care at other centers.
This group of patients often can be helped. Their treatment may require much more time, effort, and specialized care than the typical patient. The very good news about vision corrective surgery is that technology and capability does now exist that can substantially benefit this group of individuals.
Dean’s original prescription before PRK was in the range of -9.00 in both eyes. I am pleased to say that he is now completely functional, with excelelnt unaided vision, in both eyes. He no longer has any annoying glare, fogging, or significant blur. He even has very good night vision and visual function. His post-PRK haze is almost completely resolved.