LASIK Surgery Day
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What to Expect on LASIK Surgery Day
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is performed in our Laser Suite at our Harrisburg office. Our entire staff will work hard to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your surgery day visit which will take approximately 1-2 hours. Although your time in our surgical suite will only take20-30 minutes for both eyes, we need a little extra time to have you complete last-minute paperwork and rest before and after the procedure.
Relaxation medication will be provided to help you stay calm and still. Here is how the surgery process will go:
- You will relax in a comfortable reclining chair in our state-of-the-art Laser Suite.
- Vitals will be checked and numbing anesthetic eye drops will be placed into your eyes.
- Your doctor will perform one last check on your vision correction plan
- Once entering the laser operating room, you will be greeted by your experienced LASIK team and doctor and will be asked to comfortably rest under the first laser.
- An eyelid holder will be placed into your eyes to keep your eyes open.
- Your doctor will create a thin flap on your cornea. 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 just minutes 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.
- Before leaving the operating room, our doctor will perform one final check of your eyes.
- When your doctor gives the “ok,” you will be free to receive post-op instructions and be fitted with protective googles before being released to a friend or family member to drive you home. We recommend that you rest with minimal activity at home and consider taking a nap so your eyes can begin the healing process.
The next morning most patients wake up to a life with improved vision. It may take a few months for your vision to completely stabilize as your eyes continue to heal, but you will continue to see improvements over time and realize how having clear vision will change your life.
After LASIK Surgery
Some patients experience temporary eye discomfort after LASIK surgery, due to the healing process, including:
- Mild pain
- Itching or burning
- Hazy vision
- Watering
- Light sensitivity
- Dry eyes
We also recommend that you avoid certain activities or environments for at least one week:
- Swimming, hot tubs, rivers/streams or other activities that may subject you to high counts of bacteria
- Dusty/dirty environments or activities such as gardening
- Strenuous exercise
- Wearing makeup
Discuss any of these conditions at your post-op appointment and contact your doctor if they continue. It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes while your corneal flap heals to avoid infection or other complications.
Are you ready for clear vision? If so, contact us to schedule a free LASIK Consultation.
