Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK and other services beyond Lasik at Kleiman|Evangelista with the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

If you’ve followed my journey to perfect eyesight after 25 years in glasses, you’d think it’s been a long process.

Actually, from the moment I stepped in the door for a free consultation to my post-procedure appointment, it was only three weeks. Three weeks that has changed my life from something that affected me daily for almost three decades. While the time was short, the connection I have made with the team at Kleiman-Evangelista is strong.

But why wouldn’t it be?

Everyone I’ve come in contact with has been more than just friendly – they were integral in making a big difference in my life. I trusted them with one of my most valuable organs and they gave me the ability to see without glasses. That’s a pretty big promise and they over-delivered in giving me both what I wanted with a huge helping of support, guidance, and good customer service.

So when you have that connection with a company, you don’t necessarily want it to end. Just like a friend, you want it to extend past this one moment and in this case, other services.

I discovered that Kleiman-Evangelista offers more healthy vision. They have a Med Spa on property called Awakenings that offers everything from massages, to facials and peels, non-surgical body contouring and sculpting technologies and an extensive line of medical skin care products. And rather than going into a place you’ve never been to, Awakenings MedSpa gives you the professionalism and experience you expect from the KE Center.

 

A photo posted by Awakenings Med Spa (@awakeningsmedspa) on Apr 15, 2015 at 2:04pm PDT

I’m anxious to make an appointment. A few of the services that really have me interested include:

Dermaplaning

Starting to notice that unwanted hair around your chin, cheeks and neck that you want to get rid of? Of course, I don’t have any of that (at least that I want to show you in an up-close photo), but I’ll admit there may be a few places that could be “attended to.” An alternative to waxing and threading, dermaplanning uses a surgical scalpel to remove the top layers of dead skin cells and unwanted facial hair. It improves the appearance of facial wrinkles and acne scars and is effective treatment for skin issues and environmentally damaged skin.

Coolsculpting

Ready to freeze off fat? Me too. CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling (Cryolipolysis®) to gently and effectively freeze and eliminate unwanted fat cells. Ironically, the concept was discovered by Harvard University scientists who notices children developed dimples in their cheeks eating popsicles. “The idea that cold can selectively freeze and eliminate fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue is the science behind CoolSculpting.” [Awakenings Med Spa.]

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Did you know that you are born with a certain number of fat cells and depending on when you lose or gain weight, those cells increase or shrink? With Coolsculpting, the cells are completely rid from your body.

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During the procedure, fat cells are frozen, crystallizing them, and causing them to die. Then the body expels them so then you’re left with a learner you. 

Once I have this one, I hope to share the results with you exactly the way I did with my Lasik – up close and personal. 

MicroNeedling

Looking to get rid of those beginning wrinkles and scars? Microneedling uses tiny needles to create microholes in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural process of rapid collagen and elastin production. The new thicker skin will resemble your younger self, one without the look the wrinkles and before sun damage. This service can be done in several areas of the body and with basically no downtime, you’ll have the look of fresh, subtle skin in almost no time.

Believe me, once you realize that there is a way to live a better life with the help of Kleiman-Evangelista, why wouldn’t you?

Check out their Facebook for new promotions offered for any of these services, as well as LASIK, or view the website for more information.

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Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, including what happens after Lasik surgery, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

A few weeks after Lasik, you’d think maybe I’ve gotten used to not having to wear glasses.

Nope. 

Each morning, I’m more excited every day that I finally did it.

But now what? Is there anything that happens after lasik?

• Are there other appointments? 
• Can you swim or exercise? 
• Do you have medications to take? 
• Do you have to do it again later? 
• Do you get eye infections? 
• Can you mess it up? 

I can report at least at this point – I haven’t messed anything up and nor will I. You can’t do much to “mess it up” after your recovery period…as long as pay attention to the few things not to do after the procedure. 

You may be asked to NOT do a few of your normal activities (up to a week after the procedure) including: 

• Exercise (after a few days I was allowed to exercise) 
• Driving (is normally just for the first day depending on your doctor) 
• Makeup (no eye makeup for a week. This was my hardest part!) 
• Spa or Sauna 
• Gardening or other areas where there is soil in sand 
• Smoking isn’t forbidden, but perhaps may irritate your eyes
• Rubbing your eyes!

Yep, it may seem very obvious to not rub your eyes, but you’d be surprised how often you touch your eyes you don’t even know it! Sleeping might be easier with the special goggles they give to you post-procedure to wear. You won’t want to clean out your eyes with your fingers either. Your hands carry so much bacteria and you definitely don’t want that in your “new” eyes. 

All I can say is that the recommended medicated eye drops are your best friend. For real.

And to be honest, mine still are. Especially as A/C and fan season kicks in, my eyes don’t love direct air blowing on my eyeballs. And with allergies in full swing, my eyes were already burning before. There hasn’t been any increase, but the drops sure have helped the dryness and itchiness that I normally experience. 

After the procedure and your initial follow-up appointment, there will be other appointments, but just a few and far between typically – one after a week and then around six weeks later. After this point, your doctor will choose if and when other appointments are necessary. On average, it’s just like you would before lasik – recommended at at least once a year. 

While like any procedure, you aren’t always perfect right off the bat. But it amazes me how much my eyes changed in such a short amount of time. Originally, I saw a little halo effect around bright lights, but that only lasted a few days. And remember, I was seeing 20/20 the next day. 

Of course, everyone’s eyes are a little different.  I’ve shared my experience candidly with Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center and am excited to report nothing but rave reviews. So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to start seeing your life more clearly with lasik. 

Make your free appointment now. 

Don’t miss these #mamachallenge moments:

 

 

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, including the cost of not having Lasik, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

I can’t believe it’s already been a month since I had HD BladeFree Lasik at Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center.

Thinking back on the last 30 days, it overwhelms me how much my life has changed. REALLY. 

• Like each morning when I reach for my glasses and realize I don’t need them…
• When I put on eye makeup and don’t have to cover it up with big lenses…
• Reaching to pick up my daughter and not have to say “watch my glasses”…
• Putting on my running shoes and I don’t have to grab glasses to see…
• Or watching TV, the computer, going to the movies, or checking my smartphone – I don’t have to have glasses. 

 

I think this is a sign… Don’t you hate when you’re that reliant on a little bit of plastic? #glasses #mamachallenge #dallasblogger #eyes #whattodo #working #cantsee #urgh #lasik #foureyes

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Mar 5, 2016 at 12:22pm PST

Like many people, I had been thinking about Lasik for years, but kept coming up with excuses to put it off.

Will it hurt? 

I don’t have time for the down time? 

What if something happens? 

Do I really need it? 

It costs too much. 

However, the idea of wanting Lasik was always there in the back of my head. Kinda like a little whisper that always got louder each time I went to get new glasses, broke my frames, or my glasses slid down my nose (daily.) 

Then there was finally a moment I realized – what was I waiting for? 

My eyes are one of our most precious resources. Why was I willing to spend money on clothes or a car that I only used temporarily instead of my eyes that I used everyday to work, to drive, and of course, see my children?!? Almost everything I do includes my eyes, so why wasn’t I willing to reap the benefits of 20/20 vision on my own! 

While those were the intrinsic costs, what about the real hard costs of having glasses/contacts? Lasik is normally performed only once, while glasses and/or contacts are an annual cost. 

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Let’s break it down. According to a 2013 market study, average annual costs of corrective lenses are as follows*:

Eye Exam: $100 – $200
Contact Lenses: $250 – $700
Contact Lens Supplies: $150 – $200
Glasses with Designer Frames: $500 – $1000
Backup Pair of Glasses: $100 – $200
Prescription Sunglasses: $500+
Total: $1600+/ year

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If you do the math, having glasses and/or contacts ain’t exactly cheap. And last year for Christmas, my husband bought me two pairs of prescription sunglasses. Those little gifts cost around $450 a piece! So for me, my Lasik could have almost been paid for when you start adding up costs like that.  

Although, I wish Lasik was covered under insurance, unfortunately it’s not normally covered under your benefits. However, some plans (like mine) do allow for Lasik to be included in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Spending Account (HSA.) And when you combine that, with the discounts/promotions often offered by Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center, the cost are very affordable. 

While every patient is different, so every procedure is different, costs for Lasik can range depending on your provider and your needs. For a procedure like my HD BladeFree Lasik, costs range starting at $2,500 per eye. However, your eyes isn’t where you want to start looking for the cheapest service available either. It’s your eyes!!! You want to not just pick the place with the most experience, but also the best customer service, and certainly who is going to be up front with you about everything from the start. 

For me, I found that at Kleiman-Evangelista and you will, too. You can make appointment any day of the week for free or if you have a few questions before you even step in the door, get online now and chat with someone immediately to give you more information as you start your own path in seeing the world in a whole new way. 

A better way. A better life.

Why wait for that? 

Don’t Miss this #mamachallenge moment:

 

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, with a look at her LASIK laser eye surgery, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

Did it hurt? 

That’s been the #1 question I’ve been asked since I had my Blade-Free HD IntraLasik at Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center.

So I want to share the experience from start to finish and answer one of those other questions that I’ve been asked the most – “Was it worth it?” 

After my first consultation, I made arrangements for my very kind mother to be with me during the procedure only a week later. While the procedure lasts less than 15 minutes (yes only 15 minutes), I needed her there to be able to drive me home (and for me to take care of the kids), after the procedure. 

I put on something comfortable and a little warm as well since the surgery suite is a little cool and once I was home after the procedure I was going to bed.  (This is a perfect time to break out the stretchy pants or that fuzzy Velour suit sitting in the back of your closet.) 

We arrived :30 minutes early so we could arrange for my two prescriptions (two sets of eye drops that were also obtained at the office) and to take something to allow me to relax. I was provided a small dosage of Valium, just enough to keep me calm and not to get too anxious as well as to make me sleepy after the procedure so I could let my eyes rest. (Note to self, you aren’t going out that night to show of your new eyes quite yet!) 

Then just a few minutes later they called my name.  

Show time. 

I walked in to the suite to meet my doctor and the team of experienced professionals ready to make magic happen. While I’m a little foggy about what exactly happened step by step (see mention of Valium above), the doctor took a look at my eyes before the procedure at one of the many machines in the room. And then I was walked over to the laser area, seated comfortable and then it begin. 

I’ll admit – it wasn’t like getting a massage. It was a little uncomfortable as my eyes were being completely changed! And with my astigmatism, that meant a little more under the laser. It’s not like I felt anything that hurt; it was just the feeling of a bright light, pressure to my eyes, and then we were done. 

Meanwhile, my mother/chauffeur/caretaker/photographer took pictures of the whole thing while I was having the procedure. While I’ll admit it took me a few days to really look at these, it does show almost every part of the procedure – one shot at a time.

So here’s your disclaimer: if you want to see some really, up close photos of my procedure, be my guest. If your stomach is a little weak, I wouldn’t do it. Just remember, these photos are in no order of the procedure, but they are pretty wild what happens in the Lasik Suite. However, if you want to see a video that explains exactly what happens in a procedure like this, then take a look at this.

When it was done, they took another look at my eyes and said “Everything looks good.” 

I was able to put on some shades (your eyes are uber sensitive after the procedure) and my mother walked me to the car. 

As soon as we got home, I slid into bed. 

I had hoped I would nod off to sleep, but two little kids that had gotten home from school wanted to check on me and I wanted to hug them. 

They each visited me quietly in the bed and carefully kissed me so they wouldn’t touch my eyes. I was wearing my super awesome eye shields to keep them from hitting my eyes while I laid down), but they wanted to be extra careful. 

Soon after I did begin to feel more pressure on my eyes. Actually I don’t have the words for the feeling since I hadn’t really had that sensation on my eyes before. Somewhere between having a tattoo  (you know that feeling after you have it) and that straining feeling after a long day of staring at the computer. Since I’m not much of one for pain (like zero tolerance), I had my mom call the doctor to make sure it was normal to feel uncomfortable. 

They did let her know for everyone the discomfort is different, so some people don’t feel anything, while others will feel pressure and pain. However, two Tylenol PMs took care of that and my anxiety, so soon I was off to sleep. 

The next morning when I woke up, I took off my special sleepwear, ready to see if I could see. 

Wow, I could! I mean like it was crystal clear due quite yet, but it was a huge difference than when I had woke up all the years before. 

Before getting ready to go to my follow-up appointment that morning, as instructed, I put in my drops. (Actually my mama did, but I was definitely making use of having my mama time while mine was there!) The drops are a really important part of the Lasik process because they relieve a lot of the dryness and pressure from your eyes beginning to heal. The instructions from my doctor were to put in the medicated drops four times a day and the eye drops once an hour. Although that sounded like a lot, I crafted a little chart (after the one my mom sketched to use on me) that was able to keep me in check with my drops and added an alarm to my phone to remind me to take them. 

Remember, this was a guide created by mamachallenge.com. Please remember to consult with your doctor for any prescription/dosage instructions post surgery.

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For someone like me who is often on the computer (yes, that same day I was back on the computer), eye drops will help you so much. AND while it wasn’t required of my Lasik, my regular optometrist had always told me getting up and getting away from the computer after so long in front of the computer was necessary for good eye health. So I was back on the computer, but not quite for the 10 hour stretch (at least not yet!) 

When I returned the next day for my followup post-opp appointment at the Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center, I was able to meet with my doctor to see how things were going with my eyes after the surgery. After just a few minutes of me looking into the eye machines, he said things looked great and to continue to take the drops as instructed throughout the week. 

And then I made my post-surgery appointment for a week and that was it. 

Seems so easy, right? It was. (And no judgement on no makeup. Remember, no eye make up – that’s a rule for a week!) 

And was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. 

I’ll share next time about what it’s been like since the appointment and of course, why not getting Lasik may actually be costing you money. 

Yep, that’s right. It’s not as cheap as you think wearing glasses, contacts and all the other stuff that goes with it. 

Don’t Miss this #mamachallenge moment: