Prior to your arrival
LASIK Laser Eye Surgery process for patients before, during and after the LASIK procedure.Prior to your arrival. There are no restrictions on eating, drinking or medications on the day of your surgery, with the exception of caffeine. We do encourage you to eat prior to your arrival. Wear comfortable clothing. A sweater or sweatshirt is recommended, due to the cool temperature of the surgical suite. It is required that you not wear make-up, perfume, cologne, aftershave or hairspray that day.
It is especially important to follow all instructions regarding contact lens wear, medications, and dressing for the day of the procedure.
For example, because contact lenses can distort the curvature of the cornea, it is critical that you leave your contact lenses out for the length of time specified by your doctor prior to having your LASIK procedure done. Gas permeable or hard lenses should generally be avoided for one month prior to the procedure, so that your eyes will be in their most natural shape. Soft contact lenses should be avoided for one to two weeks prior to exam and procedure. Please be sure to review all specific guidelines in advance.
Please have your contact lenses removed according to the following schedule:
- Soft Contact Lenses: (These are removed daily) – removed for 2 weeks prior
- Toric Contact Lenses: (These correct your astigmatism) – removed for 4 weeks prior
- Soft Extended Wear Contacts: (These are left in while sleeping) – removed for 4 weeks prior
- Gas Permeable/Hard Contacts: removed for 4 weeks minimum prior
A good rule of thumb is to have them removed for at least one month per decade of wear
Your arrival
You should plan on being at the office approximately 1 to 2 hours on the day of your procedure. You will need to bring a companion with you, who will drive you home from your appointment. As always, your family and friends are welcome to join you throughout your visit.
When you arrive at Fischer Laser Eye Center, on the day of your procedure, you will complete a brief check-in process. The receptionist will collect your final payment and let the surgical team know you have arrived. Please have all of your paperwork with you. You will be asked to sign your consent forms with the technician. You can ask questions at any time. We want you to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Our attentive staff will be on hand to cater to your needs and to keep you informed and comfortable through every step of the process. You will also meet with Dr. Fischer prior to your surgery, and we will recheck any measurements necessary to ensure your eyes stability.
What to Expect During your LASIK Procedure
During Surgery
This is an outpatient procedure that will last approximately 5-10 minutes per eye. Most procedures take less than fifteen minutes for both eyes. Laser Vision Correction is performed in a few small steps...
1. In preparation for the procedure, you will receive eye numbing drops. You may also receive a mild sedative in the form of a tablet of Valium, which will be offered to you. The Valium will help you relax and make it easier for you to fall asleep once you get home after your procedure. The pre-op technician will escort you into the laser room and will also help you to get up after your procedure.
The surgeon will be ready and waiting for you when you enter the laser room. The procedure is done very quickly and efficiently: Time in the laser room is less than 15 minutes, and the laser operates, on average, less than one minute per eye.
2. The Laser is calibrated and programmed by certified laser technicians and checked by the surgeon.
3. You will recline on a chair as we position you properly for treatment.
4. A lid holder will be placed on the eye to prevent blinking.
5. We will use an instrument called a Microkeratome to create the "flap" on your cornea.
6. The flap will be lifted and the cool beam laser pulses will be applied to your exposed cornea. The laser is applied for up to 90 seconds per eye, depending on your prescription, at which time you'll hear rapid clicking caused by the pulsating laser. This is the laser removing the appropriate amount of corneal tissue.
7. The protective flap will then be repositioned.
8. We will then repeat the above steps on your other eye. You are fully awake and alert throughout. Dr. Fischer and the surgical technicians will talk you through each step. They will let you know what they are doing and what you can expect to happen next.
- For a detailed illustration of the procedure, see our Lasik Procedure Page.
- For information on our Laser, see About Our laser.