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     What Happens Before Laser Vision Correction?

     The preoperative examination is an extremely important step in achieving an accurate result from PRK or Lasik. While a screening evaluation can determine potential candidates, it is the actual preoperative examination that determines which procedure, if any, are best for the patient. Some details of this examination include:

• Discussion of the patient's motives and expectations of Laser Vision Correction.
• A review of the patient's medical and ocular health history.
• A complete dilated eye examination.
• Determination of the best corrected visual acuity, the uncorrected visual acuity, a refraction, and a determination of the stability of the patient's refraction over the past year.
• A specialized mapping of the corneal curvature called "corneal topography" and an evaluation of glare risk.
• A Wavefront analysis of the cornea can be performed to determine if a person is eligible for a customized treatment by the laser (CustomVue™).
• A determination of the thickness of the cornea.
• Contact lenses should be removed for 1-2 weeks prior to the preoperative examination as well as the actual surgery itself. They may have to be left out longer if rigid lenses or soft toric lenses are used.

    
     Financing arrangements should be made prior to the day of surgery, and any post-operative medications required should be obtained prior to surgery.

     The Day of Surgery:  Both Lasik and PRK are painless to perform, and require only eye drop (topical) anesthesia. In some cases, an oral sedative can be given preoperatively, but the patient must be alert enough to be able to keep the eye in position during the actual application of the laser. The eyelids themselves are held open with a smooth metal device called a speculum, so the patient does not have to worry about keeping his eyes open during the procedure.  Usually street clothes can be worn for the procedure, although eye makeup and perfume or cologne should not be worn, as this can interfere with the laser function. There should be a person available to drive the patient home.

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