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What is LASIK?
The story of LASIK
How does LASIK work?
Customised treatments
The LASIK procedure
Frequently asked questions about laser eye surgery
The LASIK Procedure In preparation for your LASIK procedure there are a few things to remember prior to coming in on the day. - Do not wear soft contact lenses for seven days prior to your procedure
- Do not wear any makeup or fragrances on the day of surgery
- Do not wear any fibrous clothing that loses a lot of lint, eg. a mohair or fluffy jumper on the day of surgery
- You should take any prescribed medications as normal
- You should have breakfast or lunch as normal before arriving for your procedure
Procedure Both eyes are routinely treated on the same day, and you will spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes in theatre. So you know what to expect, here is a step-by-step guide of what happens on the day of the procedure. - When you arrive at Vistaeyes on the day of your procedure, you will have some final tests performed on your eyes as well as some eye drops instilled to dilate your pupils. You will also have the opportunity to meet with Dr Wolfe if you have any further questions to ask.
- If you are feeling nervous you may be offered a sedative tablet to relax you. The great majority of people do not request a sedative, but it is available to you if you wish.
- Local anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye. An eyelid speculum will be positioned to hold your eyelids open so that you are unable to close them during the procedure. You will remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- A suction ring will be placed on the eye which keeps it stable while the IntraLase creates the flap.
- The flap is folded back exposing the underlying corneal tissue.
 - You will be asked to look at a fixation light and the excimer laser will then reshape the cornea.Each pulse removes a microscopic layer of the cornea. The total laser time is usually less than one minute per eye, depending on the amount of correction necessary.
 - The laser then precisely reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to match your individual refractive error.
 - The flap is gently folded back into place where it bonds without the need for stitches.
 - When the procedure is over, you will have some time to relax. The eye drops you will be using and general instructions for your recovery will also be explained and your eyes checked before you leave.
- You should plan to be at the clinic for up to 2½ hours. You will also require someone to drive you home as your vision will still be hazy.
After the LASIK procedure After your LASIK procedure you will meet with one of our orthoptists or optometrists who will check your eyes. We will explain your post-operative care and you will receive a take home pack with instructions. - Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and spend the rest of the day relaxing at home. Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours.
- We will provide you with dark sunglasses for you to wear home. You will also be required to use eye drops for approximately one week. Eye shields are to be worn while sleeping for four nights following your procedure to protect your eyes. It is important in this period that the corneal flap is not disturbed.
- You can expect your vision to be blurry for approximately 24 hours after your procedure. The vast majority of patients have good vision on day one and are able to drive, however, we recommend that you don't drive until you are reviewed by our staff the following day. You may also experience some discomfort or a mild gritty sensation during the first week. You are able to return to most normal activities the day after your procedure.
- We ask that you return to Vistaeyes the following day to have your eyes checked. Routine examinations are also performed at one week, one month and four months after your surgery. Your vision will improve and sometimes fluctuate during the first few weeks as healing occurs. This is very normal.
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