What to Expect on LASIK Surgery Day

LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is performed in our office. Surgery is performed in our custom-designed LASIK suite. Our entire staff will work hard to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your surgery day visit. The entire visit will take approximately 2 hours. Although your time in our surgical suite will only take 5-7 minutes/per eye, we will need extra time to re-measure your eyes, complete paperwork, discuss your post-surgery regimen, prepare your eyes for surgery, and rest your eyes after the procedure. 

You will be given Valium, a relaxation medication, prior to the procedure.

Here is how the surgery process will go:

• You will relax in a comfortable reclining chair.
• Numbing anesthetic eye drops will be placed into your eyes.
• Several sets of eye drops will be placed in the eyes to prepare them for surgery.
• Valium will be given prior to entering the laser suite.
• A special tool will be placed into your eyes to keep your eyes open.
• Dr. Patel will create a thin flap on your cornea using a femtosecond laser. You may feel a sensation of pressure during this part.
• The flap is folded back to allow access to the underlying corneal tissue.
• An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing small amounts of corneal tissue according to your unique refractive error. This step takes usually takes about a minute to accomplish. Eye tracking technology will detect the slightest eye movement and stop the laser until the eye is in perfect position again.
• The flap is folded back into proper position where it begins to heal immediately.
• You will then rest in our post-operative suite and Dr. Patel will perform several final checks of your eyes.
• When Dr. Patel gives the ok, you will be free to have a friend/family member drive you home so you can rest.

The next morning most patients wake up to life with clear vision, although it may take a few months for your vision to completely stabilize.

After LASIK Surgery

Some patients experience temporary eye discomfort after LASIK surgery including:

• Mild pain
• Itching or burning
• Hazy vision
• Watering
• Light sensitivity
• Dry eyes

After surgery it is important to avoid rubbing your eyes while your corneal flap heals to avoid complications. Discuss any of these conditions at your post-op appointments and contact Dr. Patel if they persist. Are you ready for clear vision? If so, contact us today to schedule a free LASIK consultation.