You are awake during the procedure, but your eye is numbed with drops so you feel no pain. You lie flat in a reclining chair beneath the laser equipment. Your eyelid is held open with an eye speculum. To keep the laser beam centered over your eye, you will be asked to look at a light. You will hear a pulsing sound as the laser removes a thin layer of your cornea. The laser pulses treating the eye surface typically take less than two minutes.

Vision Recovery

Your vision is generally quite improved the next day. However, sometimes it takes an extra day or two for vision to become clear. More than likely, you will be able to return to work after your post-op visit the next day.

LASIK PRE-SURGERY AND SURGERY EXPECTATIONS:

PRE:

• Prior to Surgery, eat a regular breakfast and wear comfortable clothing.
• DO NOT WEAR EYE OR FACIAL MAKE-UP.
• DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL PRIOR TO SURGERY.
• Patient checks in at the surgery center one (1) hour prior to scheduled surgery
• Nurse will take patient’s vital signs.
• Nurse will ask a few medical history questions and go over prep instructions.
• Nurse will give the patient 5 – 15 mg of Valium, depending upon the size and weight of the patient. For example, a 110-pound woman may only receive 5 mg of Valium. Valium is not a must; it helps the patient to relax and sleep after the surgery.
• You will receive eye drops that irrigate the eye.
• Eyes will be thoroughly cleansed with Betadine solution.
• Patient will be in the holding room for @ 1 hour prior to surgery.
• Patient may invite someone to view the surgery. If the patient brings videotape, we will record the procedure.
• If patient takes Valium, he must have someone drive him home.

• Patient lies on a reclining chair and is positioned under the laser.
• Doctor will work on one (1) eye at a time.
• Eye is numbed with drops, so you feel no pain.
• Eyelid is held open with an eye speculum. Eyelashes will be taped back.
• A handmade instrument, called a microkeratome, is used to create a thin flap and is left on a hinge.
• To keep the laser beam centered over your eye, you will be asked to look at a red flashing light.
• The computer controlled VISX Star-S4 excimer laser delivers a programmed number of ultraviolet pulses to the exposed outer area of the corneal surface.
• You will hear a pulsing sound as the laser removes a thin layer of your cornea.
• The laser pulses treating the eye surface typically take less than two minutes.
• The corneal flap is then put back into its original position.
• Patient is escorted to the slit lamp to check the corneal flap.
• Patient is taken back to the holding room and vitals are checked.

Patient is released and advised to eat a meal and go to sleep for a few hours.