Before the Procedure

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A few weeks before surgery
It is extremely important to follow our optometrists’s instructions regarding when to stop wearing your contact lenses. This is critical to the success of your procedure. The minimal times prior to the procedure are:

                                                   Soft lenses                        72 hours
                                                   Soft toric lenses                1 week
                                                   RGP (hard lenses)           2 weeks

Be sure to have your pre-op examination from our optometrist. This includes a full dilated check for the health of your eyes and other measurements to ensure the best outcome for your eyes. If you are unsure that all tests have been performed, please contact Visualeyes Optometry.

3 days before surgery
Starting 3 days prior to your procedure, begin eyelid scrubs every evening. (Do not do this after surgery.) Use the Ocusoft lid scrubs that were purchased from our office. With your eyes closed, gently massage your eyelashes with the cloth for about one minute, and then follow with a thorough rinse of the lids with water before opening your eyes. Make sure that this is done the night before surgery so that the eyelids are free of make-up. Wash your face with soap and water in the morning. 

You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic eye drop, either Zymar or Vigamox, that can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice. Start using the drop four times one day prior to your procedure. By the time you arrive at the surgery center, you should have used the drop four times (i.e., if your procedure is scheduled for 5pm on Thursday, you should start using the drops on Wednesday at dinnertime, again at bedtime, and then at breakfast and lunch on Thursday). Continue to take your usual medications unless otherwise instructed.

Day of surgery
Do not wear any eye or face make-up, cologne, lotion, or powder on the day of your procedure. You will be asked to remove large earrings, necklaces, or chains.

There are few restrictions on eating or drinking before your procedure. Please do not consume any alcoholic beverages on the day of surgery. Also refrain from consuming beverages containing excessive amounts of caffeine. If you are normally a coffee drinker, feel free to consume your usual amount.

Continue to take your usual medications unless otherwise instructed.

You will be offered a mild sedative to help you relax. Please let the staff and surgeon know if you have allergies to any medications. You will not be placed under general anesthesia since your cooperation during the procedure is essential. If you are excessively sedated, it will be more difficult for you to focus on the target light. You must be alert and respond to instructions.

You will not be asked to change your clothing. Wear warm, comfortable clothing the day of your procedure. The temperature is kept very cool in the laser suite. You might want to bring a sweatshirt or sweater.

Please arrive at the surgery center on time. You will need to arrange for transportation on the day of your procedure and for your one-day post-op appointment. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.

Please bring your prescribed eyedrops with you on the day of surgery.

Before you enter the laser suite, the laser will be calibrated and programmed for the specific refractive treatment and tested.

If you would like family or friends to watch your procedure, they may do so from the observation area.

The total time spent in the laser facility will be about 1½ - 2 hours.