Before, During, and After LASIK Surgery

Though the experience varies from office to office, below is a general overview of what to expect before, during, and after LASIK surgery.

Before LASIK Surgery
When you arrive for your laser eye surgery, you will sit down for a final Q&A session with your surgeon. At this point, you can ask any questions you have. At this time, your doctor will also perform a detailed eye examination, including refractive testing, topography, and, if applicable, wavefront analysis, to ensure the safety and accuracy of your LASIK procedure.

Next, you be escorted into the operating suite where laser eye surgery is performed. Your skin will be prepped, and anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, antiseptics, and antibiotics will be applied to your eyes. Most patients also opt for 5 to 15 milligrams of Valium.

If necessary, tiny collagen punctal inserts are placed carefully in the tear ducts, in a procedure known as tear enhancement that is designed to combat dry eyes. These will be removed after about four months. Sterile drapes are then applied and the LASIK procedure begins.

During the LASIK Procedure
One of the biggest advantages of laser eye surgery is its speed. Each eye takes just a few minutes to treat, usually around 15 minutes an eye. Other laser eye surgery is similarly brief, so patients can expect a quick, straightforward, and essentially pain-free experience.

After Laser Eye Surgery
Immediately after your LASIK procedure, your doctor will examine you in the post-op room to make absolutely certain that everything went well. You will have eye shields applied, and you will receive a customized post-operative kit containing shields, goggles, tape, and other essentials. Any final questions you have will be answered. At this point, you can go home with your driver to your family and friends. Some doctors recommend going straight to bed once at home. When you wake up, you will likely notice an improvement in your vision.