What to expect prior to, during and after the surgical procedure.
Arrival
Please provide your name at the reception check in. We require that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled surgery time. In that half hour, you will be provided with a consent form to read and sign. Please return it to the receptionist. A copy can be obtained for your records upon your request. Surgery payment will be taken. Your eyes will be cleaned and topical freezing drops will be applied. Valium will be given. Verbal and written instructions will be given as well as an appointment for the following day, medications, and a fanny pack with sunglasses. If needed, topography will also be done. At this time, you will have a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emara. The laser is calibrated and programmed with your prescription before you enter the Surgical suite.
If there are any questions please ask reception to have an Education Counselor sit down with you to discuss.
The Surgery
You will be brought into the surgical suite and asked to lay down on the chair. Dr. Emara will position you properly under the laser microscope. Your other eye will be covered and eye drops will be placed in the operative eye. These include anesthetic drops to numb the eye, antibiotic drops to prevent infection, and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce post-operative discomfort.
A simple device known as an eyelid speculum will prevent you from blinking. It is painless. You will be instructed to look at a
flashing red or green target light. Your surgeon
will monitor your eye through the microscope at all times.
During the first part you will feel a slight sensation of pressure and your vision will go quite dark as your surgeon creates the protective corneal flap. In the second part, you will hear a "clicking" sound as the laser alters the refractive curvature of your eye. The actual laser time is usually less than 60 seconds.
You will not experience any discomfort during your LASIK procedure.
After Surgery
Directly after the procedure we have you sit for a few minutes.
Some discomfort will be felt after surgery. Symptoms may include burning, grittiness and tearing. Excessive tearing/watering is normal. We cannot stress enough how important it is not to rub or touch your eyes. Certain activities should be refrained from as well for the first 2 weeks. These are outlined in your post-operative instruction sheet.
The medication envelope contains 2 pills, 1mg each of Lorazepam. Take the pills orally within 15 - 20 minutes. After the surgery, have your driver take you home/accomodations, and sleep for 6 - 8 hours. The one-day follow up appointment is a quick assessment as to your visual acuity and your start in healing, and eye drops and instructions will be given to you. An arrival time will be given the day of surgery.
Should there be any questions at any time a technician is on call to address your concerns. Please contact us at 1-877-415-2020 or 519-253-3532.