This morning I went back to Cincinnati Eye Institute and met with Dr. Holland and had the usual run through of tests. I was there 1.5 months earlier than planned because a month ago I had a suture breakage and Dr. Holland said if we start having issues with sutures that I should come see him.

The broken suture was no fun, and I have to travel some on business – was worried that would happen in an airport or in front of 200 people.

So today, he cut the last four from my graft.  There are now no mechanical connections between my body and the donor’s cornea.  That made me anxious for some reason, but I was reassured that it would be fine (unless I got boxed in the eye!)   We tested my eye pressure, vision and did a topography.  All good.

Time to remove the sutures…

The normal drops for numbing and within 5 minutes he’d removed them.   We talked again about PRK surgery in 5-6 months and I was on my way.

Ow.

After the numbing drops began to wear off, I took a couple of Tylenol.  But it was pretty painful.  The longer sutures are in, the more they seem to hurt after removal and numbing meds wear off.

Ow. Ow. 

By 4-5 pm I was very uncomfortable, and took 1/2 of a stronger pain pill which helped.  Also added some Systane to my eye – because the pain is likely caused by the inner eyelid rubbing on the freshly cut areas of my eye.

My plan is to medicate myself liberally tonight and hope that things are better in the morning.

Our PRK discussion was about trying to get my left eye free from the need for any contacts at all.  I asked about risks and Dr. Holland made the point that the risks for PRK are about the same as long term contact lens use (infections.)  So I am strongly considering it, despite the out-of-pocket costs and another procedure on the eye.  We will discuss in 4 months.

Follow up:  2 days later.

Pain is gone and only a residual dryness remains.  I have been doing my antibiotics.  Went metal detecting Saturday and Mountain Biking Sunday and it was great.  Safety glasses for sure!