Patient’s Info
Although spectacles and contact lenses improve vision, they are also a constant inconvenience of daily life. However, despite millions of successful LASIK treatments performed worldwide, many people are still unsure if the treatment is right for them. To help you understand the various steps, we have provided a brief guide on laser vision correction from the first consultation to the final checkup.
Consultation and pre-op examination
An extensive consultation and examination with your eye doctor will determine whether you could benefit from laser vision correction. During the consultation, your doctor will advise you on any possible risks or side effects of the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Laser vision correction is suitable for most people who have near- or far-sightedness or astigmatism. However, there are important exceptions, which your doctor will explain to you during your consultation. Presbyopia (an age-related loss of the ability to focus at various distances) can generally not be corrected.
Treatment day
- First, you will receive anesthetic eye drops.
- After a thorough check of the laser settings, your eye doctor will begin treatment.
- You will lie relaxed on a patient bed. An eyelid holder will ensure that your eye remains open during treatment.
- You will be asked to focus on a blinking light throughout treatment.
- The entire treatment normally takes no more than a few minutes.
And after that?
- You will be given eye drops and an eye guard for use at night.
- Spend the rest of the treatment day relaxing.
- Follow your eye doctor's instructions during the healing process.
- Your eye doctor will check the results of your treatment during a follow-up examination the day after treatment.
- The final result usually stabilizes within about four to six weeks following treatment.
Recommended activity schedule following routine bilateral LASIK surgery
Day of surgery
- The day of surgery should be a day of rest
- Always be very careful about activities where the eye may be poked, rubbed or touched.
- Always avoid rubbing eyes. (Rubbing is never a good idea - instead, use lubricant drops for irritation or cool water gently splashed onto your closed eyelids).
- Avoid staring without lubricating the eyes.
24 hours after surgery
- Take a bath instead of shower. Avoid any soap or water in the eyes.
- Restrict movement to light activities. Work should probably be avoided. Work at home is accepteble.
- Driving short distances after the eye examination is acceptable if adequate vision is confirmed at the post-operative evaluation. Reading and watching TV is acceptable as long as adequate eye lubrication is maintained.
- Flying in airplanes is acceptable but keep eyes generously lubricated (every 30 minutes) - airplanes have very dry air.
48 hours after surgery
- Driving can be resumed if adequate vision is confirmed at post-operative evaluation
- Shower (but continue to avoid any soap and water in the eyes).
- Apply face makeup (but not eye makeup).
- Do office work
- Use computer (but it is very important to keep eyes well lubricated).
Day 3 activities
Day 7 activities
Activities that can begin at 1 months with eye protection
Activities that can begin at 3 months with eye protection