What should I expect during my LASIK experience?

We are absolutely committed to patient satisfaction and an extremely high level of patient care before, during and after your procedure, including fast-response answers to all of your questions. Dr. Primack and Dr. Altman perform a detailed, complete screening evaluation that includes personally examining and speaking in depth with each candidate about their goals and expectations.

Screening Examination

Dr. Primack and Dr. Altman will perform a screening examination of your eyes to determine if you are a good candidate for refractive surgery. If so, a more extensive pre-operative evaluation will be scheduled.

Discontinue Contact Lenses

If you currently wear soft contacts, you will need to stop wearing them 2 weeks prior to your second, comprehensive evaluation (4 weeks for rigid contact lenses). If you wear contacts every day, we understand that this may be a tremendous inconvenience! Unfortunately, there is no way around it – – your cornea molds to the shape of your contact, and it takes time (without the contact) for the cornea to return to its natural shape. This is the most accurate way to determine whether you are a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction.

Pre-Operative Evaluation

Drs. Altman, Primack and Shah are extremely conservative in selecting patients for Laser Vision Correction. During your examination, your doctor will thoroughly evaluate your eyes to confirm you are a good candidate. Included in the exam are tests for corneal thickness, pupil size, refractive error, astigmatism, etc. These tests are all painless. Your doctor will talk with you about any existing medical conditions that may affect your suitability for refractive surgery. He will also discuss your motivations, in order to ensure you have an excellent chance of obtaining your goals.

One Week Before Procedure

In the days before your procedure, you will need to arrange for transportation to and from the laser center. We recommend that a friend or family member escort you.

Day of Your Procedure

There are no restrictions on eating, drinking or medications before the procedure, but be sure to eat a light meal. Wear comfortable, relaxing clothing. Leave all jewelry, pagers, and cellular phones at home. Do not wear hairspray, perfume, make-up, or cologne.

The Pennsylvania Eye & Ear Surgery Center

Once you arrive at the Pennsylvania Eye & Ear Surgery Center (second floor of the Granite Point building in Wyomissing), be sure to register with the receptionist. A technician will then escort you to the laser suite where you will be greeted by our staff and your doctor. Eye drops will be placed in your eyes every few minutes prior to the procedure. These drops help prevent infection, discomfort and inflammation.

During Your Laser Procedure

The technical staff will position you in a proper, comfortable position under the laser’s microscope. Your other eye will be covered during the procedure. To prevent unnecessary blinking, a painless device called a speculum is used to gently cushion the eyelids. During the procedure itself, you will notice that the laser makes a clicking sound during the treatment. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

The procedure is performed in several small steps; Drs. Altman or Primack will clearly explain these prior to proceeding so that you are comfortable. The entire process takes only minutes.

Immediately Following Bladeless LASIK & PRK

You will be escorted to an examination room where you will relax for 5 or 10 minutes. During this time, your vision will be very fuzzy. This is normal. Your doctor will examine your eyes before you leave the laser center to ensure that the LASIK flaps are in proper position. PRK patients will have their eyes examined as well. You will receive a post-operative kit containing drops to use following surgery. Please follow our instructions.

Going Home

Please go directly home following your procedure and rest. Many patients will take a nap. Avoid reading and computer work. Do not swim, exercise, play sports, jog, take a hot bath or shower, or get water or soap in your eyes. After four hours you may administer the first eyedrops. Please use the sunglasses provided for you in the kit to protect the eyes and provide comfort. The clear shields should be taped over the eyes while sleeping. Do not expect excellent vision on the day of your procedure, as the cornea takes time to heal. However, the day after surgery, you should notice that your vision has improved.

First Day After Laser Vision Correction

For your examination the next morning, you will see your doctor back in his office (on the first floor of the Granite Point building). Your vision may still be blurry on the day after Bladeless LASIK and it may take a week or more to improve. PRK patients should expect to be blurry for the first several days. Patients are to continue their medications as instructed and follow-up as scheduled.

Post-Operative Follow Up Appointments

Your doctor will tell you when you need to be seen again for an examination. Typically, patients are seen several times the month of the procedure and then again at three months, six months, and one year. If an enhancement procedure is desired to “fine tune” your vision, it will be performed no sooner than three to four months following the initial procedure. Many patients are referred by their optometrists who will also play a role by examining patients during the post-operative period.

A Few Do’s and Don’ts After Laser Vision Correction

It is best to rest as much as possible the day of your Bladeless LASIK or PRK procedure. Avoid reading or working on the computer. Under no circumstances are you to exercise or participate in sports. The corneal flap created during the LASIK procedure is a delicate structure that needs to heal into place.

Will my doctor personally see me for my follow-up visits?

Your visual result is very important to Dr. Primack and Dr. Altman, and they will personally see you for your post-operative examinations at our office. If your optometrist referred you to us, he or she may also monitor your vision after your procedure.

What if I have a question after office hours?

Dr. Primack, Dr. Altman or a member of our staff is always available to answer your questions. If you have any concerns after office hours, our answering service will assist you by contacting a physician.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

No. Patients must be accompanied by someone who can escort them home. Most LASIK patients feel very comfortable driving the next day. PRK patients should wait 4-6 days before driving again.

How soon after the procedure can I return to work or school?

Patients usually return to work or school within a day or two after the LASIK procedure. Patients receiving PRK usually return to work or school in 3 – 5 days.

How soon after the procedure can I apply eye makeup?

Eye makeup can be applied one week following the procedure.

Learn more about Bladeless Custom LASIK at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania.