How Should You Prepare for the LASIK eye surgery Procedure?

First, you need to chose a doctor. Jay C. Grochmal, M.D. is one of Baltimore, Maryland's leading lasik / laser vision correction eye surgeon, having performed over 2,000 lasik eye surgery procedures, and is an ideal candidate.

Next, schedule a FREE consultation and your LASIK eye surgery procedure date.

Steps to prepare for your lasik eye surgery:

• Contact lense wearers: You'll need to remove your contacts for a period of time prior to the laser vision correction treatment so that your cornea can return to its normal, natural shape.
• Soft-lens contact wearers: Remove your contacts for 1 week before the procedure.
• Hard-lens contact wearers: Remove your contacts for four weeks or longer before your procedure.

Also, it is a good idea to have a friend pick you up after your vision correction procedure is complete.

What Happens on the Day of the Procedure?

You'll want to wear comfortable clothing and remove your makeup and jewelry before you leave.

When you get to the doctor's office, Dr. Grochmal or one of his associates will review your treatment plan. You also may be asked to sign a consent form that states you understand all of the risks, complications, and side effects involved in lasik eye surgery. Ask any last minute questions you might have.

Next, you will be prepped for the procedure. You will sit in a comfortable reclining chair that cradles your head. One of our healthcare practitioners will clean your lashes and your eyelids. You will then receive a mild tranquilizer if you feel nervous and some numbing eye drops. Then the practitioner slides thin metal instruments under your upper and lower eyelids to prop the lids apart and reveal your eyeball.

What Happens During the LASIK eye surgery procedure?

During LASIK eye surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis) a programmed mechanical device slices a flap in your cornea that is thinner than a grape skin. The numbing eye drops prevent you from feeling any pain. The surgeon then lifts and peels back the flap with a tiny laser surgery instrument. You will then hear clicking noises as a laser precisely removes tiny amounts of your inner cornea.

Next, the doctor flips the flap back so it can re-adhere naturally to your eye. The doctor administers anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic eye drops. Often, both eyes are corrected during one visit. Once the procedure is complete, the doctor covers your eyes with transparent shields, and you are ready to go!

How Long Does the Procedure Typically Take?

The LASIK eye surgery procedure typically takes about 10 - 15 minutes to correct each eye. The entire office visit might last about an hour and a half or so.

What Happens During the Recovery Phase?

During recovery, your eyes may feel gritty, irritated, or watery, and they may be more sensitive to light. These sensations typically last from a week to a month. Painkillers, rest, and cold compresses can decrease moderate discomfort.

If you underwent LASIK eye surgery, you may need to wear shields to protect your eyes during sleep for the first few nights following the procedure. You also need to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for about a week. If you had PRK, you wear a bandage and special contacts for about three days while your eyes heal. You may also need to continue to use eye drops for a few months.

Following both types of surgery, adhere to any guidelines your doctor provides to help ensure proper healing. For example, don't wear makeup for about a week after surgery. No swimming for three weeks. No rubbing your eyes for about a month.

Most people can return to work either the next day or within a few days after the procedure.

How Soon Does Your Vision Change?

If all goes well during your lasik surgery, you should notice dramatic visual changes within the first few days following the procedure. Some people report that immediately after the procedure once-blurry items in the doctor's office are crystal clear. But for about two to three weeks your vision may fluctuate.

Click here to schedule your free lasik eye surgery consultation today!