LASIK SURGERY — PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Description of Procedure
The LASIK procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at Oregon Eye Surgery Center. You will be able to go home after the LASIK procedure, but you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and bring you back the next day for a follow-up visit. The LASIK procedure generally requires fifteen (15) minutes of operating room time, but the actual duration of the LASIK procedure may vary according to the type and amount of correction needed.

A mild sedative, such as Valium, may be taken to help you feel more comfortable. You will be given eye drops to numb your eyes. During the LASIK procedure, you will be lying on the laser bed or reclining chair and your eyelids will be held open with a device called a lid speculum. You will be asked to focus on a special fixation light in a microscope.

Patient Process and Procedure

Prior to your LASIK Surgery Day
	Make transportation arrangements. You should NOT drive yourself home after surgery because you may be mildly sedated and your eye may be patched. You will need someone to bring you to your post-operative visit. At your post-operative exam, your doctor will let you know when you are able to drive.
	Please remove all facial makeup (lipstick, facial creams, eye makeup etc.) a minimum of 1 day prior to surgery. For your own safety, surgery may be canceled if makeup is present.
	Prior to surgery you should not wear contact lenses in the eye(s) scheduled for surgery because the corneal shape can be altered. Soft lenses should be removed for at least two (2) weeks prior to surgery and rigid lenses for three (3) weeks per your doctor's recommendation. A thorough cleaning of all eyelids should be done the night before and the morning of surgery.
The Day of LASIK Surgery
	Please have a light breakfast and/or lunch prior to your surgery. If you do not usually eat breakfast or lunch, then do not force yourself to eat.
	Please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne on your surgery date. Please do not use any hair products that contain alcohol such as hair spray or mousse.
	Please be aware that after your surgery your eyes will be irritated and light sensitive. This usually dissipates within 24 hours after surgery.
	Wear comfortable clothing and a short-sleeved shirt or blouse that opens down the front. Do not wear nylons, stockings or support garments. Men, do NOT wear t-shirts.
After LASIK Surgery
	You must keep the protective glasses or shield provided on your eye(s) for the first 24 hours. After the first day, you must use the shield while you sleep for the first week.
	Post-Operative Medication: You will be given a post-op kit containing prescription drops, an eye shield and tape to be used for protection while sleeping, and written instructions. Before using your eye drops, your hands must be clean. Please use the drops as instructed-if you run out of drops, let us know. At your post-operative appointments your doctor will give instructions to use additional drops if necessary, and when to discontinue use. You may use preservative-free lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry-a sample is included in your post-operative kit.
	Post-Operative Symptoms: The amount of discomfort you will experience cannot be predicted-some patients feel an itchy or foreign body sensation, others are light sensitive or see halos around lights, and others may be symptom-free. Your vision may fluctuate during the day. If you have severe pain, sudden change in vision, or need explanations, call our office any time day or night at (541) 687-2110 / 800-452-2040.

FIRST NIGHT: Please go directly home and rest after your procedure. You may have some discomfort the evening of your surgery and possibly the next couple of days. Please keep in mind that a burning sensation is normal, as is the feeling that you have sand or a foreign body in your eye(s). You may also be light sensitive; UV protective sunglasses will help.

NEXT DAY: Your vision may not be clear yet. Usually, the vision clears within 24-72 hours. Your eye(s) will be very sensitive to cigar/cigarette/pipe smoke until then. Reading is acceptable but if you read excessively, you may experience eye fatigue.

SECOND DAY: Use your best judgment regarding your return to work. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.

IN GENERAL:

• It is normal to have a foreign body sensation in your eye(s) and excessive tearing.
• Do not rub your eyes.
• Do not squeeze your eyes tightly for one week.
• During the first week, try to avoid getting anything in your eye(s)-including soap, water and sweat.
• Do not wear eye make-up for at least one week.
• You may resume all normal activities after 1 week (except water sports, which should be avoided for two weeks).
• Avoid smoke filled rooms and dusty enviroments for a few days.
• No water activities for 3-4 weeks including swimming, hot tubs, etc.
• No make-up for one week.
• No sports for one week.
• Wear protective eyewear if you participate in sports where there is a chance of getting hit in the eye.
• Contact our office at (541) 687-2110 or 1 (800) 452-2040 if you have any sudden change in your symptoms or if you notice a sudden deterioration of your vision.

Related Information About Lasik:

• Risks and Limitations
• Surgery Center
• Financial Responsibility
• Financing Options
• Informed Consent
• Lasik Main Page
• Procedures Available Main Page