Ultra-marathoner Charles Miron’s LASIK procedure has helped him go the distance
Calgary-based ultra-marathon runner Charles Miron’s LASIK life is one that carries him the extra mile (and we mean it when we say “extra”).
Charles is no ordinary long-distance or marathon runner: he frequently competes in extremely long races known as ultra-marathons, something he’s been doing for more than 15 years. Ultra-marathon races can range anywhere between 50 km to 160 km in distance. For athletes to compete and excel at this sport, they must be in peak physical and mental condition. Even the slightest of barriers can hamper their performance or outcome—barriers such as relying on visual aids to see the route ahead, for example. Plus, there’s the added nuisance of wearing glasses or contacts. Glasses are usually costly and can get dirty, lost, or broken during a race, ultimately, an added burden to the runner.
Before having the LASIK procedure, Charles admits he was reluctant. However, in the weeks leading up to the Marathon des Sables, a race taking place in the Saharan Desert of Morocco, organizers contacted Charles and strongly recommended he consider undergoing LASIK ahead of the marathon.
“[The organizers] highly recommended that no one wear contact lenses—for obvious safety reasons—but also due to heat and sand,” he says. So Charles decided to pay a visit to the eye care professionals at LASIK MD to find out if he was a candidate for LASIK. Being in the presence of such knowledgeable staff helped eliminate some of the reservations he had. At his consultation, Charles felt relieved—and by the end of it, he was even looking forward to having a procedure.
When his big day arrived, Charles was once again met with kind, encouraging clinical staff. Beyond the expertise of the eye care professionals he met with, the marathoner says he was further impressed by how little time the whole process took. “I was back home and resting in just a few hours,” he says.
During his procedure, Charles felt he was in great hands the entire time.
“Dr. Léger talked me through the whole process. To be honest with you, I never even felt a thing. He was amazing, and not once did I feel stressed or uncomfortable.”
All in all, Charles felt reassured that his eyes were in the hands of a medical expert.
Charles says that since undergoing his vision correction procedure, his routine hasn’t changed dramatically, with the exception of now being free to get up and go without worrying about contact lenses, solution, or glasses. Gone are the days of worrying about losing his glasses on a run, or experiencing eye dryness during a race. Instead, he’s worries only about reaching the finish line.
Would he recommend this procedure? Charles says absolutely.
“Anyone interested in getting a LASIK procedure should seriously consider it, but especially those who live an active lifestyle [should consider LASIK].”
Plus, he adds, it’s great for anyone who loves fitness.
“If you’re a runner, or if you’re someone who simply lives an active lifestyle, take my word: this is the best decision you will ever make. I have no regrets and you won’t either.”
Up next for Charles? You can catch him on the trails, taking his LASIK life in full stride.