"What to Expect from Lasik Eye Surgery - Nuvision Medicenters NYC"
For your convenience, we have 2 LASIK centers, located in New York and Connecticut. It is recommended that you bring someone with you on the day of the surgery, as you will not be able to drive yourself home. Do not wear any eye or face make-up, cologne or hairspray, as this could interfere with the precise optics of the laser.
Upon arrival at the laser center, final measurements will be made, and we will review with you all of the steps involved. Your LASIK surgeon will also review your treatment plan and will be available to answer any questions that you may have. Before and during the procedure, a number of eye drops will be instilled into the eye(s) to be treated:
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anesthetic drops - to numb your eyes
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antibiotic drops - to prevent infection
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artificial tears - to keep the eyes moist
A mild sedative (Valium) will be offered to you to help you relax before and during the procedure.
Throughout the LASIK procedure, your lids will be gently held open with a small device. You will not experience pain or need to blink, because the treated eye will be regularly irrigated with eye drops and anesthetized (you may still blink with the other eye). If you are having PRK, you will be asked to stare at a red, blinking light in front of you without moving your eye, for 10 to 60 seconds. If you are having LASIK, this will be preceded by a painless step whereby a corneal flap is created with an instrument called microkeratome or with the Intralase laser.
After the procedure, you will rest for a few minutes in a post-operative area, after which your refractive coordinator will go over the post-operative care with you. Before you go home, the doctor will check your eyes and your vision one last time, After the laser treatment
Chances are, you will already notice an improvement in your vision immediately after the procedure, especially if you have had a LASIK procedure. Nevertheless, it is essential that you follow a number of precautions for a few days after surgery, in particular that you avoid rubbing your eyes. It is also essential that you follow the course of eye drops that will be prescribed to you. These medications help ensure that your final vision is as close to 20/20 as possible, and help avoid post-operative complications. Finally, you will need to see your surgeon again the day after the procedure, and regularly afterwards. Do not hesitate to call us with questions or concerns. Your patience and compliance will be rewarded by years of great vision!
