Procedure Description:
The use of a laser to reshape the eye to reduce the need for glasses or contacts

What To Expect:
Your eye will be completely anesthetized before the procedure starts. We use a device to keep you from blinking during the short time of the procedure. A suction device is applied to your eye to provide a stable surface for the microkeratome. The microkeratome shaves a thin, protective flap from the cornea, leaving it attached at one side. This flap is then flipped over, exposing the bed of the cornea. The laser is then used to reshape this bed. During this time it is important that you keep looking at the fixation light. Your surgeon will be watching to make certain that you do so. The actual laser portion of the procedure lasts less than 2 minutes for most people. The protective flap is then repositioned and irrigated to remove any debris. Typically, the whole procedure lasts less than 15 minutes. For most patients there is very little discomfort during the procedure or even afterwards.

Preprocedure:
Prior to performing LASIK, it is important that your eyes are stable. The strength of your glasses or contacts should not have changed much during the past year. You should not have worn any contact lenses for 2 to 4 weeks prior to the pre-op testing or the LASIK. Contact lenses can cause small changes in the shape of the cornea which can significantly affect the outcome of the laser. We will need to take precise measurements of the correction needed as well as the shape of your cornea. Your initial exam will consist mostly of determining if you are a good candidate for refractive surgery. There is no charge for this exam. If you are certain that you want to have the LASIK done, there is a small charge for the pre-op testing which is applied towards the cost of the procedure. At this time (10/1/00) the charge is $1000 per eye. As stated, this includes the pre-op testing. It is important that you do not wear any cologne or perfume nor any eye makeup for 2 days prior to the day of the LASIK

Postprocedure:
After the LASIK is performed, it is very important that you do not rub your eyes. The protective flaps are not sutured down. The natural pumping action of the cornea creates a vacuum which will hold the flap in position. Rubbing your eyes could dislodge these flaps. Your eyes may also be dry so you will be instructed to use artificial tears frequently, while awake (every 1-2 hours). You will also be on other drops to prevent infection and inflammation. You will need an exam the next day to make sure everything is healing well. The first night after the procedure, your vision will still be blurry but should improve quickly over the next 1-2 weeks. You should avoid swimming or putting your head under water for 2 weeks after your LASIK