Pink, round, and bearing the Mini Mouse insignia along each arm, I got my first pair of glasses in the first grade. I said goodbye to any social status I enjoyed and joined the crew of “unpopulars”. I dealt with it as best as any 6-year old can, but I’m not going to lie to you: it was a long awkward phase that lasted until, after 20 years of waiting, I got Lasik!
I tried to mitigate the glasses stigma of course. I started wearing contacts as soon as I was allowed, but even that was fraught with issues. Once I got over the touching my eyeball thing, finding the right type of lens was a challenge. Multi-day. Single-use. Replace-them-every-three-months-or-so. I went through a lot of red-eye iterations and still my balls weren’t happy. Eventually we realized I am allergic to saline, and a new hell of hydrogen peroxide like chemical experiments commenced and it was, well… not compatible with camping and climbing.
Eventually I’d had enough. I got Lasik. Nine years later it still stands as the best investment I’ve ever made for my active life. It’s spendy (I paid about $3k out of pocket after insurance), but absolutely worth it. I’d prioritize it over a new trad rack, that used moped you’ve had your eye on, and a trip to Thailand. Not having glasses makes everything easier! Skiing. Biking. Impromptu sleepovers. After wearing glasses or contacts from ages 6-26, I can’t tell you how freeing it is to wake up and see the world every day. I want you to experience this magic too!
5 Reasons To Get Lasik For Your Outdoor Life:
- No more fingers in your eyes. You are disgusting. Yes, YOU. I know you don’t always wash your hands before handling your lenses, and we both know where those hands have been. Jammed into chalk bags. Scrambling over dirty snow. Using a foul outhouse. I could go on but I won’t. Keeping your fingers away from your corneas is just good sense.
- Travel gets a whole lot easier. Think about all of the crap you have to bring traveling: glasses, case, wipey cloth, contacts, solution, contact case, and don’t forget spares! I estimate that my bathroom kit shrunk by half. Now all I really need is a toothbrush at toothpaste. Imagine packing only that in your overnight kit!
- Your balls are happier & healthier. Waking up with sticky overnight contacts on. Getting dry eyes at the end of the day. Putting your contacts in your mouth to “clean” them. Not having peripheral vision with glasses…. None of this is good for your eyeballs, and Lasik makes many of those problems go away.
- Save money in the long run. Yeah, sure it’s three grand upfront (maybe? I haven’t checked in a while), but you save on having to buy glasses and contacts. Factoring in for my special saline-free solution, I’d estimate I spent $250-350 annually on eyewear. The procedure pays for itself in roughly 10 years, and that’s before you factor in the value you’ll find in how much easier your life has become.
- Reduce your carbon footprint. All of that crap I listed above? It’s a lot of plastic every year, especially if you wear day-use contacts. Lasik no only lets you see the beautiful earth on which you live, but it helps you preserve this place too.
And bonus reason: you can enjoy swimming again! Seriously, don’t splash me bro.
Logistical Considerations & Recommendations
Before signing up, be sure you’re aware of these pre- and post-surgery logisticals to help you plan ahead:
- You’ll have to wear glasses for 2-3 weeks (no contacts) before the surgery
- You can’t wear makeup for like 3-4 days before and after the surgery
- You aren’t supposed to sweat for like 48 hours after (so you don’t get sweat in your eyes and accidentally start rubbing them)
- You have to sleep in these weird goggles for two days after (so you don’t touch your eyes in your sleep)
- You’ll need someone to pick you up from the surgery. They give you a Valium to help you relax on the table, and it (at least for me) makes you loopy and sleepy!
For those of you in Seattle, I went to see Dr. Dubiki at City Eye Care*. Dr. Dubiki’s office takes care of all of the pre- and post- op stuff, and handles the billing, so you you only have one main point of contact. Plus, he’s Canadian (and loves hockey – go Ontario Maple Leafs!) so he’s super nice. He’ll send you somewhere in Renton for the surgery, and their office was incredible as well. Regardless of where you go, check out their reviews and be sure that you feel comfortable working together.
Best of luck!
*I am not sponsored by, nor do I receive any benefits from, City Eye Care. I wish! I could have free sunglasses for life or something based on all my referrals.
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