Patient Instructions

Pre-Procedure Instructions

Continue to take your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise.
Remove all makeup and earrings the day of the procedure. No perfume or cologne, please.
You may eat a light meal the day of the procedure.
Wear comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes.
Anticipate being at the laser center approximately two hours.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Expect two to three days to recuperate from PRK and one day, generally, for LASIK.

Post-Procedure Instructions

You should experience minimal to no pain the first 24 hours. Report any significant pain or excessive irritation without delay.
It is helpful to keep your eyes closed for the first few hours after LASIK.
Take Tylenol, Aspirin, etc., for a headache or earache, as needed.
Sleep in protective shields for five nights following the procedure.
Do not rub your eyes for one month after LASIK!
You may want to shower or tub bathe, but avoid getting water in the operated eye for 72 hours.
Avoid water sports (swimming, hot tubs, lake water) for one week.
Do not drive for the first 12 hours following your procedure.
You may jog or work out after three days.
Wear safety glasses for contact sports and work, if indicated.
No eye makeup for five days following the procedure.
Flying is permitted within 48 hours after laser vision correction.

Medication Instructions

Antibiotic Drops
Vigamox/Zymar: Use one drop four times per day for five days. Bring this bottle to the center on the day of your procedure.

Steroid Drops
Pred Forte: (SHAKE WELL.) Use one drop every hour while awake for the first 24 hours. After the first 24 hours, use this drop four times a day for four additional days.

Lubricating Drops
Preservative-Free Artificial Tears: This drop should be used every hour while awake for the first 72 hours. After the first 72 hours, reduce this drop to five to six times per day for the next month. Use only preservative-free artificial tears.

To avoid washing out the previously applied drops, it is best to separate the drops by at least one minute.

Healing Tips

You will experience burning, tearing, scratchy, irritated eyes within 30 minutes after the procedure. This is normal but should subside within 3 to 4 hours after your surgery. It is helpful to keep your eyes closed as much as possible.

Wear the sunglasses we provide all waking hours the first day, even indoors. Remove them only to instill your drops.

Use your drops only as prescribed regardless of how your eyes feel or how you see! It is OK to use the artificial tears more than once per hour.

Most patients achieve functional (not perfect) vision within 24 hours of surgery. Please do not be alarmed if your vision is not 20/20 on day one. It is common to have foggy or hazy vision until the swelling subsides. It is also common to have fluctuations in vision after laser correction. Fluctuations in vision generally subside within 4 to 6 weeks from your surgery date but may take longer in some individuals.