What to expect on LASIK Day

Important Information About Your Surgery

Our professional staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality of individualized care to each of our patients.  This patient-focused approach is intended to promote your long term health and well-being.  We want to make your upcoming visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible.  To make your surgery a successful experience, please read and follow the information carefully.

Day of Surgery

Arrive promptly at the scheduled time.

• You will be greeted at the front desk and asked to complete any additional paperwork.
• You will meet with our Laser Vision Coordinator who will collect payment at this time.  Please bring cash, check, credit card or certified funds with you, or have financing arrangements approved in advance.
• Post-operative drops and instructions will be explained.
• You may watch the live laser treatment in our viewing area if you wish.  If you have any questions, be sure to ask.
• You will be escorted to the patient education room where pertinent scans and examinations will be performed as necessary.
• In preparation for entering the surgical suite, our Patient Coordinator will assist you by providing cap and shoe covers to maintain a sterile environment.  You will be offered a mild sedative (Valium) and pre-operative drops will be administered to anesthetize your eye(s).
• You will then be taken into the surgical suite for your procedure.  the laser counselor will make you comfortable in a reclining chair that swings in under the laser.  You will be given a 'squeeze toy' for comfort (and a smile).  The clicking sound of the excimer laser will be demonstrated for you so you will know what to expect.  You will then have the first part of your LASIK procedure (creation of the flap) completed by the femtosecond laser which makes a bladeless, all-laser flap.  You don't need to worry about the flap because it is created virtually first and then in reality.  Dr. Monroe can verify that it is a good flap before it is completed.  There will be some pressure during the creation of the flap and your vision will temporarily go dark. 
• The laser counselor will stay by your side to "hold your hand," talk you through the procedure, and answer any questions.  Anesthetic drops will be used to numb your eye, and an eyelid holder will help you to keep your lids open.  You will be asked to look at the red blinking light while the eye tracker is centered.  Then you can relax, knowing that the 3D Eye Tracker will follow your tiny eye movements during your laser treatment.  If you suddenly move your eye during treatment more than 1 1/2 millimeters, the VISX laser just pauses until your eye returns to the proper position.  This active and passive eyetracking feature is one of VISX's many advantages that can help you to feel secure during your treatment.
• The cornea is painlessly shaped by the cook, pulsating VISX Smoothscan laser beam.  The flap is gently floated back into place, eye drops are instilled, and you are allowed to sit up to witness your new laser vision!  It will be a little foggy at first, but will clear soon. 
• Following the procedure you will be scheduled for a post-operative examination within one day.  It is imperative for your care that you keep this appointment.  Your subsequent visits will be schedule at that time.

Congratulations!  You are now a VIP (visually improved person)!