LASIK EYE SURGERY WHAT TO EXPECT
Before Surgery
How to prepare for the Pre-Operative Assessment
We suggest taking these steps prior to the pre-operative assessment and surgical appointment to reduce post-operative symptoms:
- Proper lid hygiene, clean lids daily with Lid Care Scrubs or appropriate alternative
- Begin use of artificial tears such as Blink (2-3 times daily)
- Begin adding an Omega 3 supplement to your daily diet
- Begin using warm compresses for 15-20 minutes daily, with gentle massage to the lids
● You can expect to be at the clinic for 2-3 hours for the pre-assessment.
● Please bring a pair of sunglasses with you as your pupils will be dilated. This will render you light sensitive for a few hours after the assessment. You may not be able to return to work after the evaluation.
● Please arrange alternative transportation after the pre-operative diagnostic assessment, as dilating drops can render your eyes light sensitive and create blurry vision, making it difficult to drive and read.
● If you are traveling from outside Canada, please remember to carry proper identification such as your passport, driver’s license and/or other proof of citizenship or residency.
● Our clinic staff will be able to provide you with referrals for travel and accommodation, although these arrangements remain your responsibility.
● Please do not bring children with you to the clinic in consideration of other patients and the nature of your examination.
● You are required to have a complete pre-operative assessment at our clinic prior to surgery as this information will determine your candidacy. Having a pre-operative evaluation by your own eye care professional is valuable. This however does not replace the need for a full pre-operative evaluation at our center.
* If you plan on having your post-operative evaluation done outside our clinic, please make these arrangements known to our staff at the time of your initial evaluation at LASIK Provision. Our staff will assist you with any referrals, if necessary.
* LASIK Provision will not be held responsible for any costs incurred for travel and /or accommodation, lost employment income or any additional expenses incurred due to a patient being deemed a non-candidate, rescheduling, delays, or requiring retreatment.
Pre-Operative Assessment Day
1) Initial Greeting: When you arrive at LASIK Provision, you will be greeted by our receptionist who will ask you to fill out a patient information sheet. This will include questions about your general health, ocular health, any medications you may be taking, allergies, and any other information that will help our doctors become familiar with your medical history.
2) Pre-Operative Evaluation: A clinical assistant will take you into the Pre-Operative Room where a series of painless tests will be performed.
3) Oculovisual assessment by the Optometrist: Once the testing is completed, an Optometrist will review the information, meet with you, and conduct a complete eye exam. Subsequently, the Optometrist will be able to determine your candidacy, and the best treatment for you. The recommended procedure will be then explained to you.
4) Pre-Operative Counseling: Lastly, you will meet with the pre-operative counselor. They will discuss details of the appropriate procedure, finances, and book a surgery date for you.
You have 2 months after the pre-operative assessment to book a surgery date. If booked after this time, the pre-operative assessment must be repeated, an additional fee may apply.
How to Prepare for Surgery
You can expect to feel nervous, anxious, or excited prior to your procedure. This is a very natural response.
- Please refrain from wearing any product containing heavy fragrances such as perfume, cologne, lotion, creams, aftershave, etc., as well as using any products that contain alcohol, such as hairspray, aftershave, or mousse.
- Please do not wear eye makeup a minimum of 48 hours prior to surgery. Please ensure your face is free from ALL makeup the day of surgery. For your protection, the procedure may be postponed if makeup is detected.
- There are no restrictions with regards to eating or taking medications prior to your surgical appointment. (However, it is important to inform our staff of any medications you are currently taking)
- Please pre-arrange alternative transportation to and from our clinic on the surgical day.
- Your eyes will be irritated and light sensitive following the procedure, and you may not be able to keep your eyes open. This usually diminishes within 24 hours after surgery.
- It is recommended to avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to and 48 hours after your surgery, as this tends to dehydrate the tissues and can delay the healing process.
- Wear comfortable clothing on you surgery day. DO NOT WEAR clothing such as WOOL or fleece that may generate lint in the surgical suite.
- Depending on your occupation, you may need to arrange time off of work (refer to Time-Off Work information table below for a list of expected times to return to work). Please note these are recommended guidelines, and that they may vary dependent on a patient’s healing process.
Time-Off Work Information Table
Low Risk
|
Mild Risk
|
High Risk
|
No dust, irritants, risk of eye trauma
E.g. Office work
|
Mild dust, irritants, risk of eye trauma
E.g. Industrial
|
Moderate-high dust, irritants, risk of eye trauma
E.g. Construction, Policing
|
0-2 days
|
4 days
|
1 week
|
Laser Vision Correction is a MEDICAL PROCEDURE and as such, there is a possibility that you might need to extend your stay due to the healing process of your eyes. In this case, any additional travel and/or accommodation fees will be your responsibility.
Please arrange alternative transportation after your surgery as we do not advise driving short distances for at least 24 hours and long distances for approximately 3 days following a LASIK procedure, and 7 days following a PRK procedure.
DURING SURGERY ____________________________
Surgery Day
1) Meet with the Surgical Counselor: The surgical counselor will explain to you the steps you are about to take towards your surgery. You will be given all of the necessary post-operative instructions, such as how to use the eye drops, how/when to wear your protective eyewear, etc. You will sign a consent form (refer to our Informed Consent section for more information on the informed consent process). They will also ensure that all finances are taken care of. You will then be escorted into the pre-operative waiting room, where you will be offered a light sedative (Ativan, 1mg). The surgical assistants will then call you into an exam lane to meet with the surgeon.
2) Surgery: Once you have met with your surgeon, a surgical assistant will show you into the operating room. You are then brought to the surgical bed, at which point surgery will take place. Generally, the procedure requires 15-20 minutes of direct operating room time during which the laser is used for only seconds on each eye. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the type and amount of correction needed.
After Surgery
You will likely experience some degree of discomfort over the first few days after your procedure. During this time, your vision may be blurred in one or both eyes and your vision may fluctuate throughout the day. You may also experience mild halos at night for the first few days. In some cases, your vision is better initially after the procedure, and then later becomes blurred. These symptoms vary among individuals, and will be monitored at your follow up visits.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
- The surgical assistant will review common symptoms you may experience over the next 24 hours.
- The assistant will also make an appointment for your mandatory 24 hour post-operative assessment, at our clinic.
- You must wear the goggles or sunglasses provided upon completion of your visit, as they ensure adequate protection.
- It is important to note that your eyes will be irritated and light sensitive following the procedure, and you may not be able to keep your eyes open. This usually diminishes within a few hours after the surgery.
- Please follow the drop schedule provided to you during surgical counseling, or as recommended by the surgeon.
- Please refer to the Post-Operative Activity Schedule
*ALL PATIENTS MUST REFRAIN FROM DRIVING FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER LASIK SURGERY AND/OR UNTIL YOUR VISION IS CLEAR AFTER ALL PRK OR LASIK PROCEDURES
Follow Up Visits
Please remember that Follow-up care is as important as the actual procedure. Each post-operative evaluation at our clinic takes approximately 15 minutes. The optometrist will evaluate the cornea, monitor the healing process and guard against infection.
LASIK
●24 hour visit is mandatory at LASIK PROVISION.
●1 week
●1 month
●3 months
PRK
●24 hour visit is mandatory at LASIK PROVISION.
● Every day or every other day for a minimum of 5 days after surgery.
● Every 1-2 weeks following removal of the bandage contact lens (as directed by your eye care professional
●3 months
●6 months
These visits and all additional medically necessary visits are covered in the cost of your surgical procedure. However, any future visits are subject to a fee UNLESS a Clear Vision Plan is selected. Post-operative visits are only scheduled Tuesday– Friday, with the exception of any additional examination days recommended by your optometrist.
*NOTE: If you choose to have your post-operative care performed by your own eye care professional, your doctor will require a post-operative form. Please ask for this at your 24 hour visit at our clinic. In accordance with the Privacy Act, to initiate an exchange of medical information an authorization of release must be completed by the patient. We encourage your co-managing doctor to fax copies of your post-operative visits to LASIK PROVISION, to enable us to continue to monitor your post-operative progress. Please note that examinations preformed elsewhere are not covered under our Clear Vision Plan and may involve additional fees as per your chosen provider.
LASIK Post-Operative Activity Schedule
Recommended following uncomplicated LASIK surgery unless otherwise directed by the doctor
DAY OF LASIK SURGERY
- This should be a day of rest.
- Avoid activities where the eye may be poked, rubbed or touched.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes! Use lubricating eye drops to relieve discomfort.
- Avoid staring without lubricating the eyes. (activities such as prolonged reading or watching TV)
*Avoid smoking for 1 week, as well as atmospheres that contain smoke, dust or other irritants*
1 DAY (Day following LASIK surgery)
- Baths must be taken for one week instead of showering unless protective eye goggles are worn. Avoid getting any soap or water in the eyes.
- Restrict movement to light activities.
- Returning to work is not recommended, however office work at home is acceptable.
- Driving short distances after the eye examination IF adequate vision is attained at the post-operative evaluation. Remember to continue with artificial tears.
- Reading, watching TV and computer work, with continuous use of the lubricating drops.
- Flying in airplanes; ensure eyes are generously lubricated (every 15-30 minutes)
2 DAYS
- You may resume office work and computer use (with continued use of eye lubrication).
- Driving can be resumed if adequate vision is confirmed.
- Apply face makeup (but not eye makeup).
3 DAYS
- Exercise without risk to the eyes (treadmill, stairmaster, stationary bike)
- Sexual Activity (avoid touching near the eyes)
- Playing with children (avoid any contact near the eyes)
- Drinking alcohol/ Smoking
1 WEEK
- Showering can resume without goggles.
- Sleeping can resume without wearing goggles.
- Applying eye makeup (be very careful not to rub the eyes when removing makeup)
- Jogging outdoors, Rollerblading, Relaxed bicycling (no mountain biking)
- Playing golf
- Lifting weights
- Welding
1 MONTH (with eye protection until 6 MONTHS after surgery)
- Swimming, sauna, hot-tubs
- Sun-tanning
- Sailing, Snorkeling/ Scuba diving * (for a maximum of 30 ft. depth)
- Motorcycling, dirt biking, mountain biking
- Racquet sports: tennis, squash, racquetball, badminton (always wear eye protection)
- Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, skiing
3 MONTHS (with eye protection until 6 MONTHS after surgery)
- Water skiing, Surfing, Wind surfing
- Kayaking
6 MONTHS
- Scuba diving (any depth)
- Parachuting
- Riding rollercoaster
Post-PRK and/or CXL Activity Schedule
Recommended following Uncomplicated PRK Surgery unless otherwise directed by the doctor
DAY OF PRK SURGERY
- This should be a day of rest.
- Avoid activities where the eye may be poked, rubbed or touched.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes! Use lubricating eye drops to relieve discomfort.
- Avoid staring without lubricating the eyes. ( activities such as prolonged reading or watching TV)
*Avoid smoking for 1 week, as well as atmospheres that contain smoke, dust or other irritants for 1 week.*
1 DAY
- Baths must be taken for one week instead of showering unless protective eye goggles are worn. Avoid getting any soap or water in the eyes.
- Restrict movement to light activities.
- Returning to work is not recommended, however office work at home is acceptable.
- Reading, watching TV and computer work, with continuous use of the lubricating drops.
- Flying in airplanes; ensure eyes are generously lubricated (every 15-30 minutes)
2 DAYS
- You may resume office work and computer use (with continued use of eye lubrication). Recommended to be off work for 1 week post-operatively.
- Driving can be resumed if adequate vision is confirmed.
- Apply face makeup (but not eye makeup).
3 DAYS
- Exercise without risk to the eyes (treadmill, stair-master, stationary bike)
- Sexual Activity (avoid touching near the eyes)
- Playing with children (avoid any contact near the eyes)
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
5-10 DAYS (WHEN BANDAGE CONTACT LENSE IS REMOVED)
- Driving short distances after the eye examination IF adequate vision is attained at the post-operative evaluation. Remember to continue with artificial tears.
- Showering can resume without goggles.
- Sleeping can resume without wearing goggles.
- Applying eye makeup (be very careful not to rub the eyes when removing makeup)
- Jogging outdoors, rollerblading, relaxed bicycling (no mountain biking)
- Playing golf
- Lifting weights
- Welding
- Racquet sports: tennis, squash, racquetball, badminton (always wear eye protection)
- 3-D movies/entertainment
1 MONTH (with eye protection until 3 MONTHS after surgery)
- Swimming
- Sun-tanning
- Sauna, hot-tubs
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving * (for a maximum of 30 ft. depth)
- Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, skiing
- Motorcycling, dirt biking, mountain biking
3 MONTHS (with eye protection until 6 MONTHS after surgery)
- Water skiing
- Surfing, wind surfing
- Kayaking
- Scuba diving (any depth)
- Parachuting
- Riding rollercoasters
