Lasik Surgery

In general, it is a quick, painless procedure with a high degree of safety. However, minor incidents may occur, for example (in order of consequence):

• Intolerance to light.
• Inflammation greater than expected.
• Dry eye.
• Allergic reactions to medications.
• Problems with night vision.
• Decrease in contrast sensitivity, sharpness or visual acuity.
• If you are close to or past the age of 40, be sure to talk to your doctor about how this procedure will affect your near vision for reading and computer use.

• We perform a thorough eye examination and a study called Corneal Topography to make sure the eyes are healthy. With this information, the procedure is planned.
• We will ask that if you wear contact lenses, you stop wearing them at least 3 days before being evaluated in consultation and 3 days before your surgery. Ideally one week.
• You should come to the hospital without makeup, lotions and perfume, or deodorant spray.
• The specialist will give specific indications for your case in consultation, prior to your surgery. There may be variations among the instructions for each patient.

• The procedure takes, on average, 5 minutes per eye (may vary by physician and hospital).
• It is performed in an outpatient operating room.
• The surgeon will place anesthetic and antibiotic drops on the surface of the eye.
• The patient remains lying down and face up while the specialist performs the procedure.
• The surgeon will use intense light and instruments that come very close to the eyes. Your vision may become blurry during surgery.
• At the conclusion of the procedure in one eye, it may be performed in the other eye.
• The specialist may place a transparent shield over the eye to protect it while it heals.

• Blurred vision, burning, tearing, itching or discomfort from light is to be expected during the first few hours. It is expected that these discomforts will diminish as this first day of recovery passes.
• You should avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, or squeezing your eyelids tightly.
• Red spots on the white surface of the eye (effusions) are normal. They take up to three weeks to disappear.
• You will need to return to see the surgeon for a follow-up 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
• Consider that you should go at least one week without intense exercise or swimming pool.
• Have someone drive you home and accompany you preferably for 24 hours after your procedure as your vision will be blurred after the procedure.