What to expect with your LASIK procedure.

The Consultation
To set up your free consultation, call toll free 1-866-781-2005. A comprehensive consultation is critical to the success of your LASIK procedure. During the consultation, an eye examination and a set of tests are performed to determine whether or not you are a candidate for LASIK. After your eligibility is determined, Dr. Keenan will discuss realistic outcomes and expectations for your individual set of circumstances and visual needs. The testing involved with the consultation is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes.

What happens during the consultation?
First, we will compile your complete medical, medication and eye history. We will also determine your routine of contact lens use. Since contact lenses can change the shape of your cornea, you will need to discontinue wearing them for at least three days before the evaluation.

Next we will assess your visual acuity, both with and without correction, and before and after dilation. The magnitude of the visual correction needed for each eye is determined. The following battery of tests will also be run during consultation:

Pupil Size: The pupil is measured with an infrared camera.

Motility: A test of muscle balance, which examines the eyes’ ability to align and remain straight.

Refraction: Measures the patient's prescription. The LASIK procedure can not typically correct vision further than is determined during this part of the examination.

Slit Lamp Examination: The eyes are examined under a microscope in order to evaluate overall eye health and detect diseases, which may require treatment other than LASIK.

Tear Film Evaluation: Tests the eye's ability to produce the appropriate quantity and quality of tears, which are necessary for good vision.

Tonometry: Calculates eye pressure to detect glaucoma. Patients with glaucoma are not candidates for LASIK.

Corneal Topography: Measures the corneal surface’s smoothness and curvature and creates a "map" of the cornea.

Corneal Thickness/Pachymetry: An ultrasound determines corneal thickness. Candidates for LASIK must have sufficient corneal thickness for the amount of correction needed

Wavefront Aberrommetry: Measures irregularities of the eye at all levels and provides a blueprint for the best possible vision correction.

Dilated Funduscopy: The eyes are dilated with drops to allow examination of the structures in the back of the eye.

Occasionally other testing must be done before we can fully confirm your candidacy for LASIK. All of these tests are performed by Dr. Keenan, who will discuss your results with you. If Dr. Keenan discovers any conditions requiring treatment, he will help you develop a treatment plan. As always, we recommend a regular routine of ongoing eye care well after LASIK is performed.

Before the Procedure
Before your procedure, you will set a time for your post-op exam. We typically conduct 3 to 4 brief post-operative visits during the first year following the procedure. These meetings are an extremely important part of ensuring the highest level of vision after your procedure.

You will also be given prescriptions for eye drops and it is best to fill the prescription before your procedure so you will have the eye drops available as you need them. In addition, you will determine whether or not you want to have both eyes corrected on the same day. Although the vast majority of patients do, some situations favor separate eyes on separate days.

We will ask you to read and sign our consent forms as well as the pre- and post-op instruction forms before your procedure. You also will need to arrange for transportation home on the day of your procedure. You should avoid alcohol the day of your procedure, but there are no other restrictions on eating, drinking, or medications. Please do not wear any make up or use any fragrance, as they may interfere with the laser. Dress comfortably.

Please make your payment arrangements on or before the day of your appointment. For more information on payment options, click here.

During the Procedure
While the LASIK procedure itself takes only minutes, you should expect your total time with us to be about two hours. The typical patient describes the LASIK procedure as mildly uncomfortable.

Step 1
Numbing eye drops are applied to the eye. You may elect to accept a mild sedative prior to your procedure. This helps decrease the normal anxiety level associated with a procedure. An eyelid holder will be inserted under your eyelids to ensure your eye remains open during the procedure.

Step 2
Using the IntraLase laser, Dr. Keenan will create a corneal flap. The thickness of the flap will be customized to your ocular situation. This step will take about 30-35 seconds.

Step 3
Next, you will be positioned under the excimer laser. A saran-wrap-like drape will be affixed to your eye lashes and again an eyelid holder will be used. Dr. Keenan will ask you to fixate on a light. The laserlight is then applied to reshape your corneal surface. With Precision Laser Eye Center’s Allegretto Wave the laser application takes only about 10 seconds for a -3 diopters treatment. While the laser is running, you hear a buzzing sound and you may realize a smell similar to burning hair. Dr. Keenan will talk you through your procedure step by step.

Step 4
When the laser application is complete, Dr. Keenan will replace the corneal flap to its original position, where it will adhere after several minutes.

After the Procedure
We usually recommend keeping your eyes closed for the first five hours after your procedure. Taking a nap for several hours really helps people recover quickly. After that time your eyes will feel more relaxed and you'll notice a significant improvement in your vision. Even so, blurry vision is typical during the first 18 hours after the procedure, as well as burning, tearing, discomfort and the inability to open the eyes for the first several hours. We may prescribe extra-strength Tylenol to alleviate the temporary discomfort. Driving is not permitted following the procedure.

The good news: most likely you will be able to resume many of your normal activities after 24 hours, with your new, corrected vision! Nevertheless, you should make sure you have realistic expectations about your procedure. Your eyes may feel irritated, uncomfortable and dry. But you will most likely notice a continued improvement in your vision for the several weeks following LASIK.

We will prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to be used for one week following the procedure. We also will provide a clear protective eye shield to be used while sleeping for the first couple of nights after the procedure and you may want to use sunglasses for a period after your procedure. It is not unusual for patients to develop a temporary dry eye sensation after the procedure. Dr. Keenan will routinely apply temporary absorbable microscopic punctal plugs after your procedure. This step, along with the liberal use of prescribed lubricating eye drops, usually addresses this situation.

You will be required to refrain from the following activities for a time following your procedure: touching or rubbing the eyes or eyelids, and wearing makeup. You should avoid hot tubs and whirlpools and smoking. Of course showers and baths are permitted, but you should avoid water pressure contact with the eyes or eyelids. Also, avoid dusty and dirty environments for several days. You may experience light sensitivity while watching television or using the computer. You may fly after Dr. Keenan clears you to. Questions regarding the resumption of specific activities will be addressed on an individual basis by Dr. Keenan.