How Should I Prepare for LASIK Laser Eye Surgery? continued...

If you wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses, you should not wear them for three weeks before your surgery. Other types of contact lenses shouldn't be worn for at least three days prior to surgery. Be sure to bring your eyeglasses to the surgeon so your prescription can be reviewed.

On the day of your surgery, eat a light meal before going to the doctor, and take all of your prescribed medications. Do not wear eye makeup or have any bulky accessories in your hair that will interfere with positioning your head under the laser. If you are not feeling well that morning, call the doctor's office to determine whether the procedure needs to be postponed.

What Happens During LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?

During LASIK laser eye surgery, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to cut a thin flap in the cornea. The cornea is then peeled back and the underlying cornea tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser. After the cornea is reshaped so that it can properly focus light into the eye and onto the retina, the cornea flap is put back in place and the laser eye surgery is complete.

LASIK laser eye surgery is performed while the patient is under a local anesthesia and usually takes about 10 minutes to complete.

What Should I Expect After LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?

Healing after LASIK laser eye surgery usually occurs very rapidly. Most patients notice improved vision within a few days after LASIK laser eye surgery. However, your vision may be blurry and hazy for the first day. You should plan to have someone drive you home after LASIK laser eye surgery.

Your eyes will be dry even though they do not feel that way. Your doctor will give you prescription eye drops to prevent infection and keep your eyes moist. These eye drops may cause a momentary slight burn or blurring of your vision when you use them. Do not use any eye drops not approved by your ophthalmologist. Specific follow-up after the surgery varies from one surgeon to another. You will revisit the doctor for an evaluation 24-48 hours after LASIK laser eye surgery, as well as at regular intervals within the first six months after surgery.