Drs. Fine, Hoffman & Packer Opthalmologists in Eugene Oregon

LIMBAL RELAXING INCISION — PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Description of Procedure
In LRI, or limbal relaxing incision, the surgeon cuts the limbus, which allows the cornea to become more rounded when it heals. These incisions are also called peripheral corneal relaxing incisions.

Patient Process and Procedure

Three (3) days before Limbal Relaxing Incision Surgery
	Place one drop of Ocuflox into the eye to be operated on every four (4) hours while awake.
On the night before Limbal Relaxing Incision Surgery
	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.
	Wash face well with soap and water. Take a shower or bath and wash hair.
	*No food or drink after midnight unless otherwise instructed.* You will be contacted by a nurse from the surgery center about eating instructions.
The Day of Limbal Relaxing Incision Surgery
	Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or after-shave on your surgery date. Please do not use any hair products that contain alcohol such as hair spray or mousse.
	Do not wear make-up. Wash face again with soap and water.
	Avoid coffee, tea, or milk unless otherwise instructed.
	Make sure to take all of your usual medications before coming to the surgery center.
	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 Limbal Relaxing Incision Surgery
	Topical anesthesia means rapid visual recovery after limbal relaxing incision surgery. Occasionally, a local anesthetic is necessary. In that case your vision will return more gradually, and you may notice blurred or double vision at first. Once in a while a patch is placed over the eye after limbal relaxing incision surgery. Leave the patch in place until your appointment on the day after surgery. Wear the shield over your eye when you go to sleep for one week after your surgery.
	Post-Operative Medication: After limbal relaxing incision surgery you should use these eye drops as directed: Antiobiotic - FOUR TIMES A DAY until gone (NSAID) Anti-inflammatory - FOUR TIMES A DAY x 2 weeks Steriod/Anti-inflammatory - FOUR TIMES A DAY x 1 week then TWO TIMES A DAY x 2 weeks
	Post-Operative Symptoms: You may have a scratchy or funny feeling like something is in your eye after surgery. Also, many people notice a pink or red glow following surgery. These experiences are normal and expected. If you have severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication you should call the doctor's office. If you have severe pain, sudden change in vision, or need explanations, call any time day or night (541) 687-2110 / 800-452-2040.
	Many people need a change in their eyeglass prescription following limbal relaxing incision surgery. Some will only need glasses for reading, and some may find they need glasses only rarely or not at all.
	You should expect to visit the doctor's office on the day after your surgery and again two weeks after your surgery. Of course, individual differences in healing may mean changes in this schedule.

Related Information About Limbal Relaxing Incision:

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Commonly Asked Questions:
How soon after surgery will I see well?
Vision is usually good in 3 to 5 days.

Will refractive surgery hurt?
During the procedure, a strong topical anesthetic is used to numb the eye. Generally, only pressure is felt during the procedure.

Will I still need my glasses or contacts?
The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses, but LASEK patients still may benefit from reading glasses or distance glasses when they desire perfect near or distance vision.

Will my insurance cover LRI?
Most health care coverage considers LRI surgery an elective surgical procedure and does not cover it. For our LRI patients, we highly recommend CareCredit® or ChaseHealth Advance.