What You Can Expect Before and After Your LASIK Procedure
We understand that while the outcomes sound appealing, the LASIK surgery procedure can also cause anxiety for some people. Obtaining accurate and detailed information will help ease many of the concerns you may have. When you know what to expect, you will feel more comfortable about LASIK surgery and our surgeons’ ability to give you clearer, crisper vision.
CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE LASIK consultation. We treat LASIK patients throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.
Please click on the buttons below to learn about LASIK, starting with the consultation and throughout the recovery.
- Are you a candidate for LASIK?
- The day of LASIK eye surgery
- What happens during LASIK?
- What to expect after LASIK eye surgery
Are You a Candidate for LASIK? CLICK HERE to arrange a FREE LASIK evaluation exam
The LASIK surgery procedure offers you the opportunity to see more clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This advanced, laser-assisted procedure eliminates the refractive errors that hamper vision by safely reshaping the cornea. The laser eye surgeons at King LASIK can help you determine if you are a viable candidate for LASIK, and whether this is the right treatment option for you. We offer FREE LASIK consultations to patients throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.
Your FREE Pre-LASIK Evaluation
Prior to arriving at our practice for your FREE LASIK consultation, please read the following information: To perform the exam, we will dilate your pupils. This may cause sensitivity to natural light, so be sure to bring sunglasses. If you do not have a pair or forget to bring them, we will provide you with temporary eye shields. In order to ensure your candidacy, our surgeons will perform a comprehensive LASIK evaluation, so please be prepared to spend about one to one-and-a-half hours at our office. Also, please bring the glasses and/or contact lenses you are currently using for vision correction.
The Day of the Exam
Please read the information below to learn what to expect during each step of your pre-LASIK exam.
- When you arrive at King LASIK, you will be asked to fill out new patient forms, including your medical history, which will help us determine your candidacy and create your patient file.
- One of our ophthalmic technicians will administer a number of safe and painless diagnostic tests in order to obtain more information about your eyes and your vision. These tests will help determine your LASIK candidacy.
- An optometrist will review the results of your diagnostic tests and administer an additional, comprehensive eye exam. He or she will then explain your treatment options, the risks involved and what to expect during and after surgery, if you are deemed a viable candidate.
- If you are not a LASIK candidate, we may be able to offer you an alternative procedure, which will be discussed with you during this time.
- Lastly, you will meet with one of our patient counselors who will tailor a treatment plan just for you. They will also go over your financing options or payment plans that fit within your budget. Next, you will be informed about the pre-LASIK process and your next appointment will be scheduled.
How to Prepare for Your LASIK Procedure
At King LASIK we use the most sophisticated surgical equipment and laser technologies, coupled with the surgeons’ expertise, to deliver optimal vision correction results. Our goal is to improve your vision, reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear and provide you with a safe, comfortable and rewarding experience. To help us accomplish this, please learn how to prepare for LASIK by following the steps below:
- Eat a good meal prior to your LASIK surgery procedure. LASIK does not call for any restrictions on food, drinks or medicine before surgery.
- Do not wear make-up. And please, refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or any other products with fragrance, as they can interfere with our lasers.
- Arrange transportation to your home after the procedure. You will be at our facility for two to three hours.
The Day of LASIK Eye Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
The day of your LASIK eye surgery procedure is an exciting one. It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious. You are in good hands, and will be well cared for during the entire experience.
Step 1: First, you will meet with our patient counselor who will process your payment and discuss any lingering items of business. This is a good opportunity to ask questions that may be on your mind. Then, you will receive a post-operative care kit and a set of instructions for after your procedure. Once you have discussed the aftercare instructions with the patient counselor, you will be escorted to the relaxation room to prepare for LASIK.
Step 2: You will have a quick meeting with the LASIK surgeon, at which time you can ask him any final questions. A mild sedative will be provided to help you sleep after your LASIK surgery.
Step 3: You will be escorted into the surgical suite by the technician, who will prepare you for the LASIK surgery procedure. The technician will ensure that you are relaxed and comfortable in the surgical suite, and attend to any last-minute needs or requests.
Step 4: The technician will administer numbing eye drops to ensure that you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. You will lie down on the treatment table, positioning your eye directly under the LASIK laser.
Step 5: The surgeon uses the laser to carefully reshape the cornea by removing microscopic pieces of tissue. This will not be painful. You may be able to hear a clicking noise; this is the sound of the laser operating. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
Step 6: You will rest for a little bit in the recovery suite before being released into the care of a loved one to escort you home.
Most patients are able to resume their normal routine and activities the day after their LASIK surgery procedure.
If you would like more information about the LASIK surgery procedure and how it works, please contact King LASIK today. A member of our team would be happy to explain the laser eye surgery techniques that we use to improve your vision.
What Happens During LASIK?
Despite being one of the most widely-performed surgical procedures today, many people are still unclear on the actual process of LASIK, also referred to as laser vision correction. Precise and incredibly safe, the LASIK surgery procedure uses the most advance technologies available today. Twenty years of practice has proved to be revolutionary in terms of vision correction and eye health, providing a glasses-free lifestyle to millions of people. But what actually happens during LASIK? How does one go from simple curiosity to living without corrective lenses?
What to Expect
Once you’ve considered and chosen your LASIK practice and surgeon, there will be a screening process that follows to determine if you are a suitable candidate. If you are, the next step is to book your procedure. We also suggest that you set aside two days for LASIK if at all possible: one day for the procedure and one day for recovery. On the day of your LASIK eye surgery procedure, it’s best to drink lots of fluids, eat a nice meal and take time to relax (the relaxing won’t have any real impact on your outcome, but we feel it’s nice to be well-rested). Once you arrive at the practice, we’ll do some final testing, finish off the paperwork and then bring you into the laser suite, where your procedure will take place.
LASIK surgery procedure Step-by-Step
Once you are in the laser suite, you can expect the following steps:
- Your surgeon will ask if you have any further questions and then take time to answer them, if needed.
- Anesthetic eye drops will be applied to eliminate any discomfort during the surgery.
- Your surgeon will be sure that your eye is free from any foreign debris such as eyelashes or dust.
- Using a speculum, your surgeon will gently open your lids and keep them in place for the surgery (your eye will remain moist from eye drops).
- You’ll be asked to focus on a light.
- Using an incredibly precise laser method called IntraLase, your surgeon will make an incision in the outer layer of skin on your cornea to create what is known as the “corneal flap;” the flap will be moved aside to allow for the laser to function. At this point your vision will be blurred.
- Your surgeon will ask you to remain focused on the light and at this point you will hear a clicking sound coming from the laser platform. The clicking is the excimer laser at work reshaping your cornea. This usually takes less than a minute.
- After the surgeon is finished reshaping your cornea, he will gently fold the corneal flap back to its original location. It very quickly and naturally heals back in place.
- More eye drops are added to aid with healing and comfort.
- The speculum is released and you will be asked to sit up and relax for a few minutes.
And that is it! These steps will be repeated for both eyes. The entire process in the laser suite should take less than 15 minutes.
Following Your LASIK surgery procedure
After LASIK, your surgeon will once again check your vision to complete the procedure. We ask that you have someone meet you to drive you home, where we suggest you relax in a room that is not too bright. We also ask that you avoid reading or watching TV for the day, as it can add unnecessary stress to your healing eye. You should be able to function normally within a day and many people report having clear vision 24 hours after the surgery (although it can sometimes take up to a week for it to be completely clear). As you can see, LASIK is a relatively straightforward and safe procedure that takes very little time. The resulting vision and lifestyle benefits, however, can be felt for decades! If you have any further questions about the LASIK surgery procedure, how it works or what the benefits are, please ask. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Dr. King and the staff at King LASIK
WHAT HAPPENS DURING LASIK?
Despite being one of the most widely-performed surgical procedures today, many people are still unclear on the actual process of LASIK, also referred to as laser vision correction. Precise and incredibly safe, the LASIK surgery procedure uses the most advance technologies available today. Twenty years of practice has proved to be revolutionary in terms of vision correction and eye health, providing a glasses-free lifestyle to millions of people. But what actually happens during LASIK? How does one go from simple curiosity to living without corrective lenses?
WHAT TO EXPECT
Once you’ve considered and chosen your LASIK practice and surgeon, there will be a screening process that follows to determine if you are a suitable candidate. If you are, the next step is to book your procedure. We also suggest that you set aside two days for LASIK if at all possible: one day for the procedure and one day for recovery. On the day of your LASIK eye surgery procedure, it’s best to drink lots of fluids, eat a nice meal and take time to relax (the relaxing won’t have any real impact on your outcome, but we feel it’s nice to be well-rested). Once you arrive at the practice, we’ll do some final testing, finish off the paperwork and then bring you into the laser suite, where your procedure will take place.
LASIK SURGERY PROCEDURE STEP-BY-STEP
Once you are in the laser suite, you can expect the following steps:
- Your surgeon will ask if you have any further questions and then take time to answer them, if needed.
- Anesthetic eye drops will be applied to eliminate any discomfort during the surgery.
- Your surgeon will be sure that your eye is free from any foreign debris such as eyelashes or dust.
- Using a speculum, your surgeon will gently open your lids and keep them in place for the surgery (your eye will remain moist from eye drops).
- You’ll be asked to focus on a light.
- Using an incredibly precise laser method called IntraLase, your surgeon will make an incision in the outer layer of skin on your cornea to create what is known as the “corneal flap;” the flap will be moved aside to allow for the laser to function. At this point your vision will be blurred.
- Your surgeon will ask you to remain focused on the light and at this point you will hear a clicking sound coming from the laser platform. The clicking is the excimer laser at work reshaping your cornea. This usually takes less than a minute.
- After the surgeon is finished reshaping your cornea, he will gently fold the corneal flap back to its original location. It very quickly and naturally heals back in place.
- More eye drops are added to aid with healing and comfort.
- The speculum is released and you will be asked to sit up and relax for a few minutes.
And that is it! These steps will be repeated for both eyes. The entire process in the laser suite should take less than 15 minutes.
FOLLOWING YOUR LASIK SURGERY PROCEDURE
After LASIK, your surgeon will once again check your vision to complete the procedure. We ask that you have someone meet you to drive you home, where we suggest you relax in a room that is not too bright. We also ask that you avoid reading or watching TV for the day, as it can add unnecessary stress to your healing eye. You should be able to function normally within a day and many people report having clear vision 24 hours after the surgery (although it can sometimes take up to a week for it to be completely clear). As you can see, LASIK is a relatively straightforward and safe procedure that takes very little time. The resulting vision and lifestyle benefits, however, can be felt for decades! If you have any further questions about the LASIK surgery procedure, how it works or what the benefits are, please ask. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Dr. King and the staff at King LASIK