Fox 11
Fred Villanueva Fox 11 News reporting: Karen Nelson came to Southern California from Oregon with a pair of eyeglasses and a dream; her dream — to go home without the glasses.
Karen Nelson getting prepared to have her laser vision correction.
Karen Nelson: (Smiling) “Yeah, I can’t believe that I’m going to be able to see without my glasses, see the clock and see everybody else’s face; I’m really excited and thrilled with it.”
Fred Villanueva reporting: When it comes to the latest in the miracle of laser eye surgery, Dr. Andrew Caster wrote the book. Using a procedure called LASIK surgery, he’s fulfilled the dreams of over 3,000 patients who used to suffer from nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Dr. Andrew Caster: “I can speak to people both as a doctor and as a patient, because I’ve had the procedure done on my eyes and it has totally changed my life. I used to wear really thick glasses and contacts, and now I see really well, without the glasses or contacts; it’s been amazing.”
Fred Villanueva: Maybe the most amazing part of all, the whole thing’s over in just a blink of an eye.
Dr. Andrew Caster: The procedure takes about 5 minutes. The patient lies down on the table, and we’ll put some numbing drops in her eyes. There’s no IV’s, and no shots. We will then make the little flap and apply the laser energy underneath the flap, then put the flap back into place and there’s virtually no pain.”
“In a couple of years, this is going to be the most popular surgery done anywhere in the United States. It’s going to be kind of like when you grow up, you get braces and then you get your eyes fixed. It will be just part of growing up.”
Fred Villanueva reporting: A grown up Karen Nelson is now looking to turn back the clock.
Karen Nelson sitting up in the chair after completing her laser vision correction.
Karen Nelson quoting after her surgery: (Giving Dr. Caster a big hug with tears of joy) ” I can see the clock, I can see 1, 2, 3 hands, I can see 12 numbers!!!!”
“David (technician) you get around here and let me hug you too…Thank you so much.”
LA Fred Villanueva Fox News