Day of Surgery

Getting started

The laser procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure at Lions Eye Institute. You will be there for 1-2 hours. You will have some oral sedation and analgesia and will need someone to drive you home and (preferably) to bring you back again the next morning.

The LASIK procedure itself takes about 20 minutes for both eyes and is performed with local anaesthetic eyedrops (the same as we use in the clinic). You will be lying comfortably on a bed during the procedure and the surgeon will talk you through each step. Flaps are prepared in both corneas using the Intralase laser then the refractive change to correct your vision is made with the Technolas excimer laser as a sterile procedure.

The laser part itself will take between 15 and 60 seconds. You will need to be able to lie quite and keep your eye steady while looking at a target light for this part of the procedure. The laser tracks your eye movements during the treatment but it is important to keep as still as possible. The procedure is usually not painful but there are some unpleasant sensations, including some pulling and stretching of the eyelids, pressure, and very bright lights.

What you need to know

Contact lenses

Contact lenses need to be left out prior to your surgery or appointments prior to surgery to allow the Cornea of your eye to return to its natural shape;

Soft contacts: minimum 1 week, or as advised

Hard contacts: minimum 1 month

Toiletries

Please ensure NONE of the following are worn on the day of surgery:

  • Any makeup, particularly eye make up (Non-tinted moisturiser is allowed)
  • Eye makeup should not be worn for a minimum of 1 week after surgery
  • Perfume or cologne or aftershave
  • Hair spray or gel

Driving

Do not drive following the procedure. We also recommend you do not drive to the post operative appointment the next day.

Medication

A mild relaxant will be given to you prior to surgery. Please advise the Nurse if you have any changes in medication since your consultation with the Surgeon.

Fasting

Fasting is not required prior to surgery. In fact it is better to ensure you have had a light meal/snack prior to attending your surgery so you are comfortable.

Clothing

Comfortable clothing is suggested on the day of surgery. You may also like to bring socks to wear due to the cool temperature of the theatre.

After the surgery

After the surgery you will wear a clear protective shield over your eyes which can be removed the following morning. Keep these as you will be required to wear the shields while sleeping for 3-5 nights to prevent your eyes being knocked or rubbed during sleep.

The following day you will attend a post operative consultation. The Surgeon will check your eyes and give further post operative instructions regarding eye drops and care. It is recommended that patients attend a follow up appointment again at 4-6 weeks after surgery, then as recommended by your Surgeon. It is best to arrange these appointments well in advance as they are often heavily booked. Also check that an Optometrist will be available at the appointment time as you will need certain follow up tests.

For more information please view the day of surgery frequently asked questions.