BEFORE THE PROCEDURE: There are no restrictions on eating, drinking, or medications on the day of surgery. You are actually encouraged to eat before you come for your procedure. Wear comfortable clothing. All traces of make-up should be removed. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave, hairspray or gel, as it can interfere with the laser. You need to arrange transportation on the day of your procedure. We recommend a private car or taxi. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home. You may also need a driver the day after surgery for your follow-up appointment.

Three days before surgery start using your eyedrops: Zymar and Prednisolone Acetate four times per day. Wait 5 minutes between drops. It does not matter which drop you use first.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE: Check in with the front desk.

IN THE PRE-OP AREA: Please bring your paperwork, eyedrops and LASIK kit with you the day of surgery. You will sign the consent form with Dr. Marshall, and you will then be given a pill to help you relax.

INSIDE THE LASER ROOM: Laser Vision Correction is performed in a few small steps. Most procedures take less than 40 minutes. The laser is calibrated and programmed with your prescription before you even enter the Laser Room. It will take a few minutes to position you properly under the laser microscope. The eye that is not being treated will be covered during the procedure so that you can use the treated eye to focus on the light. Dr. Marshall will monitor your eye through the microscope at all times, and will tell you everything that will happen before it happens. You should not have any surprises, and there may be a burning sensation but there should not be any pain.

AFTER SURGERY: When your surgery is complete, you will be asked to wait for 30 minutes, when your flap will be checked for stability. Instructions for use of the eye medications are in your “Post-Op Instructions.” Your driver will then be able to take you home to rest.

EXPECTATIONS: There are a number of key features about the way your eyes will feel and how your vision will behave that are normal and temporary. Moments after the procedure your vision may still be pretty blurry. You may only begin to notice an improvement in your distance vision the day after surgery. You may have some eye discomfort from the time after surgery until the time you go to sleep. This is very common with LASIK. You may feel like there is something in your eye. You may have a lot of tearing. Your eyes may be sensitive to bright light and may burn. Do not be alarmed; these symptoms are normal and temporary. Your eyes will feel better if you use plenty of cold artificial tears.

Typically, eyes require 3 to 6 months for vision to stabilize. Your vision can fluctuate for the first 1 to 2 months—this is a normal part of the healing process. If your vision is blurry beyond 20/40, temporary glasses may be needed. Later, if your doctor feels you could benefit from an enhancement, plans are made at approximately 6-12 months (NEVER SOONER). The vision must stabilize before an enhancement.

Driving at night may be difficult due to glare and/or blur. This is an expected, temporary side effect. This usually resolves within 2 to 4 months. You should avoid driving and operating hazardous equipment if you are not comfortable with your vision. For the first few weeks Preservative Free artificial tears may be soothing.