YOUR SURGERY — AFTER YOUR SURGERY

Please be advised that your follow-up care is as important as the actual procedure.
After Your Surgery
	You should not drive for at least twenty-four (24) hours after the procedure, and in no event should you drive until your vision is clear.
	Wear the sunglasses provided. Most other varieties do not provide adequate protection.
	You may need glasses or other corrective lenses after the procedure on a temporary or permanent basis. LASIK will not prevent, and may unmask, the need for reading glasses, particularly for patients over forty (40) years of age.
	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.
	You are required to return to our clinic within 24 hours after your surgery for your first mandatory post-operative appointment. Your appointment time will be given to you immediately after your surgery.
	Following your 24-hour visit there are 4 additional, mandatory visits required. Post-operative examinations are required at 1 to 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months from the surgery date.
	Each post-operative appointment in our clinic takes approximately 25 minutes; it helps us to evaluate the healing process of your eyes and to guard against infection.
	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 at (541) 687-2110 / 800-452-2040 or call (541) 341-0622 after hours.
	Post-Operative Restrictions: Do not rub your eye. Do not use mascara or eye make-up for seven to fourteen days, then use only a new tube and applicator. Avoid getting soap and water, shampoo, hair spray, aftershave, etc. in your eyes for two weeks. (If you do, DO NOT RUB.) No swimming for two weeks. Eye protection is strongly recommended for contact and racquet sports.

Commonly Asked Questions:

How soon after surgery will I see well?
Each patient is different. Most patients experience a dramatic improvement 8 to 10 hours after the treatment.

Can I drive home after the procedure?
No, you should arrange for someone to transport you. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after the surgery, possibly longer.

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 refractive patients still may benefit from reading glasses or distance glasses when they desire perfect near or distance vision.

• 24 hours
• 1 to 2 weeks
• 1 month
• 3 months
• 6 months