What happens on the day?
Before you go to the laser room you will be given an explanation of the procedure and the way the laser works.
If you like you can bring a friend to stay with you during surgery and view the proceedings on a video monitor.
Anaesthetic drops will be placed in your eye and a lid speculum will be inserted to prevent you from blinking.
You will then relax onto a motorised chair and laid back to position the eye to be treated under the operating microscope.
During the procedure your other eye will be covered.
As you look up into the microscope you will see a flashing light.
You fix your gaze on this light to become accustomed to the laser beam.
When your eye has been prepared for treatment the laser will begin to reshape the cornea.
Actual treatment lasts only 20-60 seconds.
You will not feel any pain.
LASIK procedure takes a few minutes longer than PRK.
In most cases LASIK procedures can be performed on both eyes during one visit.
After treatment, a clear plastic shield or patch will be placed over your eyes.
It's important that you do not drive yourself home.
PRK
If you choose PRK treatment you may experience some degree of post-operative pain as the corneal epithelium heals.
You will be given soothing eye drops to reduce this discomfort.
Any pain should have cleared after the third day.
Your eyes will be reviewed during the week following surgery.
If bilateral surgery is performed a bandage contact lens will be placed into each eye and the results will be reviewed daily until the contact lens is removed.
This is usually on the second day after surgery.
LASIK
Most people experience very little discomfort after the LASIK procedure.
You will be given medication to help relieve any eye irritation and, if necessary, to help you sleep.
Your eyes will be reviewed the next day when the clear plastic shield is removed.
