Surgery FAQs
- What can I do to prepare my eyes for surgery?
- Why do contact lenses need to be left out before the surgery?
- How long does the surgery take?
- What if I move my eye during the laser treatment?
- When can I go back to work?
- How long is it until the flap is secure?
- Is the surgery permanent?
What can I do to prepare my eyes for surgery?
Research has shown that the use of ocular lubricants (artificial tears) before surgery improves the results of LASIK. You can start using lubricant drops at least one week (preferably two) prior to surgery at least 3 times per day.
When booking for surgery you will be given a pre-operative instruction letter. If you have been told that dry eye is an issue for you then it can help to start taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement (fish oil or flaxseed oil) at 2-3 capsules per day.
Why do contact lenses need to be left out before the surgery?
Contact lenses may alter the natural curvature of the cornea. To have accurate results we need to know what the natural curvature of the cornea is, thus it's essential that lenses are left out prior to consultation and surgery.
How long does the surgery take?
The surgery itself takes 15-20 minutes per eye but you will be here for about 90 minutes in total.
What if I move my eye during the laser treatment?
The Technolas 217z100 incorporates an active infra red multi-dimensional eye tracking system. This highly sophisticated safety device tracks tiny eye movements and guides the laser to follow them. This makes sure that the laser treats the correct areas of your eye. The eye tracker incorporates advanced multi dimensional video tracking and reads the exact position of your eye at 240Hz or times per second. The eye tracker forces the laser to stop treatment if your eye moves outside the laser treatment range.
When can I go back to work?
Most people require two days off work: the day of surgery and the day after. Some people may require longer, depending on their occupation. You can return to work as soon as you feel comfortable with your vision. It may take some time, (a few weeks) to feel completely comfortable with prolonged reading or computer use. Excessive computer work or near work, especially in air-conditioning, may make your eyes more sensitive. You may find that you tire more quickly, or cannot concentrate for as long as usual, while you are getting used to the changes in VISION vision. It is more likely that it will take longer to adjust for those in the presbyopic age group (older than 40 years).
How long is it until the flap is secure?
The flap settles into place immediately after surgery and will not move unless there is contact.
Is the surgery permanent?
Yes, the surgery permanently alters the shape and focus of your cornea. This does not mean that your refractive error will not change, though. If you are going to be more short or long sighted then this may still naturally occur.
