LASIK Eye Surgery – What to Expect Before, the Day of, and After Refractive Surgery

When you make the decision to consider LASIK eye surgery, the surgeon will first need to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. This initial exam will include dilating your eyes, evaluating your medical history and creating a map of your cornea.

If you are a good candidate, you will need to prepare for the LASIK eye surgery. This may include removing your contacts for several days prior to the surgery. The day before the procedure, you will be asked not to apply any lotion or other products to your face.

The day of the surgery, you should follow any doctor’s orders very carefully. This may include taking medication. When you arrive at the office, the doctor will again examine your eyes in preparation for the procedure.

You will be awake during the surgery, and the eyes will be treated with a local anesthesia. Your eyes will be held open while you are asked to relax and focus on a certain spot or flashing light. The LASIK surgeon will create a flap and then reshape the cornea, thus correcting existing vision problems. The entire procedure takes between 15 and 20 minutes per eye, and patients report that the surgery is not painful.

After the surgery, you will likely be able to return to work within a day or two. You may have to wear protective gear on your eyes for a couple of days. You will be advised that you should not watch television or use a computer for at least one day following surgery.

You will also be instructed to bathe rather than shower in order to prevent anything from splashing into your eyes. Further, you should avoid wearing makeup or lotion on your face for about a week.

It is important to follow all instructions to the letter. This may include all of the items above as well as when to apply eye drops.

There is the possibility of certain complications following surgery. These include infections and problems with the corneal flap. Be sure to report anything that you feel is not quite right to your surgeon.

Most people who have LASIK eye surgery do not have any complications and are very pleased with the results. Hopefully, knowing what to expect may make the procedure less stressful. Be sure to visit our LASIK practice near Portland, Oregon for a consultation.