Your LASIK Experience
Your LASIK Experience
What You Can Expect Before, During and After Your LASIK Procedure
Over the years, LASIK eye surgery has become one of the most popular vision correction procedures; for many people, the LASIK surgery procedure greatly reduces their dependence on corrective eyewear. Imagine waking up without the need to look for your glasses or fumble with your contact lenses. More than 40 million people have achieved that through LASIK eye surgery.
We understand that while the outcomes sound appealing, the LASIK surgery procedure can also cause anxiety for some people. Obtaining accurate and detailed information at your consultation will help ease many of the concerns you may have. When you know what to expect, you will feel more comfortable about LASIK surgery and our surgeons’ ability to give you clearer, crisper vision.
Are You a Candidate for LASIK?
The LASIK surgery procedure offers you the opportunity to see more clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This advanced, laser-assisted procedure eliminates the refractive errors that restrict your vision by safely reshaping the cornea. The laser eye surgeons at King LASIK can help you determine if you are a viable candidate for LASIK, and whether this is the right treatment option for you. We offer FREE LASIK consultations to patients throughout the Pacific Northwest and Arizona.
Your FREE Pre-LASIK Evaluation
In order to ensure your candidacy, our doctors will perform a comprehensive LASIK evaluation, so please be prepared to spend about one to one-and-a-half hours at our office. To perform the exam, we will dilate your pupils. This may cause sensitivity to natural light, so be sure to bring sunglasses. If you do not have a pair or forget to bring them, we will provide you with temporary eye shields. Also, please bring the glasses and/or contact lenses you are currently using for vision correction.
The Day of the Exam
Please read the information below to learn what to expect during each step of your pre-LASIK exam.
- When you arrive at King LASIK, you will be asked to fill out new patient forms, including your medical history, which will help us determine your candidacy and create your patient file.
- One of our ophthalmic technicians will administer a number of safe and painless diagnostic tests in order to obtain more information about your eyes and your vision. These tests will help confirm your LASIK candidacy.
- An optometrist will review the results of your diagnostic tests and administer an additional, comprehensive eye exam. They will then explain your treatment options, the risks involved and what to expect during and after surgery, if you are deemed a viable candidate.
- If you are not a LASIK candidate, we may be able to offer you an alternative procedure, which will be discussed with you during this time.
- Lastly, you will meet with one of our patient counselors who will tailor a treatment plan just for you. They will also go over your financing options or payment plans that fit within your budget. Next, you will be informed about the LASIK process and your next appointment will be scheduled.
How to Prepare for Your LASIK Procedure
At King LASIK we use the most sophisticated surgical equipment and laser technologies, coupled with the surgeons’ expertise, to deliver optimal vision correction results. Our goal is to improve your vision, reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear and provide you with a safe, comfortable and rewarding experience. To help us accomplish this, please learn how to prepare for LASIK by following the steps below:
- Eat a good meal prior to your LASIK surgery procedure. LASIK does not call for any restrictions on food, drinks or medicine before surgery.
- Do not wear make-up. And please, refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or any other products with fragrance, as they can interfere with our lasers.
- Arrange transportation to your home after the procedure. You will be at our facility for two to three hours.
How to Prepare for Your LASIK Procedure
At King LASIK we use the most sophisticated surgical equipment and laser technologies, coupled with the surgeons’ expertise, to deliver optimal vision correction results. Our goal is to improve your vision, reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear and provide you with a safe, comfortable and rewarding experience. To help us accomplish this, please learn how to prepare for LASIK by following the steps below:
- Eat a good meal prior to your LASIK surgery procedure. LASIK does not call for any restrictions on food, drinks or medicine before surgery.
- Do not wear make-up. And please, refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or any other products with fragrance, as they can interfere with our lasers.
- Arrange transportation to your home after the procedure. You will be at our facility for two to three hours.
The Day of LASIK Eye Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
The day of your LASIK eye surgery procedure is an exciting one. It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious. You are in good hands, and will be well cared for during the entire experience.
- Step 1: First, you will meet with your patient counselor, this is a good opportunity to ask questions that may be on your mind. Then, you will receive a post-operative care kit and a set of instructions for after your procedure. Once you have discussed the aftercare instructions with the patient counselor, we will process payment and then you will be escorted to the relaxation room to prepare for LASIK.
- Step 2: You will have a meeting with your LASIK surgeon, at which time you can ask them any final questions. A mild sedative will be provided to help you relax during your LASIK procedure and to sleep afterwards.
- Step 3: You will be escorted into the surgical suite by the technician, who will prepare you for the LASIK surgery procedure. The technician will ensure that you are relaxed and comfortable in the surgical suite, and attend to any last-minute needs or requests.
- Step 4: The technician will administer numbing eye drops to ensure that you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. You will lie down on the treatment table, positioning your eye directly under the LASIK laser.
- Step 5: The surgeon uses the laser to carefully reshape the cornea by removing microscopic pieces of tissue. This will not be painful. You may be able to hear a clicking noise; this is the sound of the laser operating. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
- Step 6: You will rest for a little bit in the recovery suite before being released into the care of a loved one to escort you home.
Most patients are able to resume their normal routine and activities the day after their LASIK surgery procedure.
If you would like more information about the LASIK surgery procedure and how it works, please contact King LASIK today. A member of our team would be happy to explain the laser eye surgery techniques that we use to improve your vision.
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LASIK Surgery Procedure: Step-by-Step
Once you are in the laser suite, you can expect the following steps:
- Your surgeon will ask if you have any further questions and then take time to answer them, if needed.
- Anesthetic eye drops will be applied to eliminate any discomfort during the surgery.
- Your surgeon will be sure that your eye is free from any foreign debris such as eyelashes or dust.
- Using a speculum, your surgeon will gently open your lids and keep them in place for the surgery (your eye will remain moist from eye drops).
- You’ll be asked to focus on a light.
- Using an incredibly precise laser method, your surgeon will make an incision in the outer layer of skin on your cornea to create what is known as the “corneal flap;” the flap will be moved aside to allow for the laser to function. At this point your vision will be blurred.
- Your surgeon will ask you to remain focused on the light and at this point you will hear a clicking sound coming from the laser platform. The clicking is the excimer laser at work reshaping your cornea. This usually takes less than a minute.
- After the surgeon is finished reshaping your cornea, he will gently fold the corneal flap back to its original location. It very quickly and naturally heals back in place.
- More eye drops are added to aid with healing and comfort.
- The speculum is released and you will be asked to sit up and relax for a few minutes.
These steps will be repeated for both eyes. The entire process in the laser suite should take less than 15 minutes!
Following Your LASIK Procedure
- After LASIK, your surgeon will once again check your vision to complete the procedure. We ask that you have someone meet you to drive you home, where we suggest you relax in a room that is not too bright.
- We also ask that you avoid reading or watching TV for the day, as it can add unnecessary stress to your healing eye.
- You should be able to function normally within a day and many people report having clear vision 24 hours after the surgery (although it can sometimes take up to a week for it to be completely clear)
- LASIK is a relatively straightforward and safe procedure that takes very little time. The resulting vision and lifestyle benefits, however, can be felt for decades!
If you have any further questions about the LASIK surgery procedure, how it works or what the benefits are, please ask. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
