A comprehensive vision correction examination is the only way to know which vision correction procedure is best for you. We do this at no charge at SHARPEVISION because we believe so strongly in giving patients all the information necessary to make the right treatment choice. We will only recommend a procedure that is medically appropriate for your unique eyes and many times there are more than one option.*Note: Cataract consultations only are billed to your insurance and may require a co-pay at your appointment.

While your exam involves complex diagnostic testing, it is also our opportunity to learn more about you, your expectations, and your lifestyle. All of these factors play an important role in recommending the best procedure for you. *Your visit may include dilation of your pupils, which will affect your eyesight for about 4-6 hours, as you may have experienced with a routine eye exam. Dilation is part of a comprehensive examination which is recommended, but no required. If you prefer, we can defer that component, and it will not affect our ability to complete your vision correction consultation or your surgical outcome in any way.

The complete consultation and exam can take up to 90 minutes. After all your data is first collected by your technician in our specialized diagnostic rooms, the doctor will continue with a full eye exam and consultation, discuss your procedure recommendation(s) and answer any questions you may have about the procedure. You can have family or friends join you during your consultation, if you wish. Questions concerning pricing, insurance, scheduling, and pre-op instructions will also be discussed, all in the comfort of your private exam room.

We’d like you to leave your contacts out prior to your treatment, and the time can vary depending on your type of contacts and your procedure, but it’s usually just 3 days. When you arrive the day of your procedure, and after carefully reading through the entirety of the literature you will receive from your doctor, you will sign a copy of the informed consent in our office. You will need to use antibiotic drops, and possibly steroid drops, after your surgery. We have them in-office in our Recovery Kit or you can choose to fill the prescription at a pharmacy. We will explain and give you written instructions for your post-procedure care which includes instructions for using the eye drops. All of your post-operative instructions and appointments will be addressed before your procedure, so you can simply go home when it is complete.

We understand that this procedure may create nervousness and fear. It’s your eyes, right?! So we’ve worked very hard to make it easy for you. We offer an oral sedative (Valium) to help you relax, and we encourage you to take it, if medically appropriate. In our Austin location, we offer wine or beer in lieu of the sedative, if you prefer. We want your experience to be as comfortable as possible.

Before your procedure, the doctor will refract your eyes one last time to confirm the results. You’ll then enter the laser room. Your surgeon will gently talk you through each step of the process, so you’ll know exactly what you will feel, see, and hear. He monitors your eye through the microscope at all times. The entire LASIK or PRK procedure takes about three minutes per eye; the first laser takes 20 seconds and the second laser takes between 10-50 seconds, depending on the amount of your prescription. EVO ICL™, RLE, and Cataract removal take between 10-15 minutes per eye.

Immediately following the procedure, you will notice a change in your vision. It’s always foggy at first, but most people can see well enough to read a clock from across the room. Your eyes will be numb for 15-25 minutes, then they will start to water and burn. After LASIK, this discomfort usually lasts 4-5 hours; PRK tends to be more painful the next day or two. To help with the burning, we supply you with comfort drops in the Recovery Kit that numb the eye. If you had LASIK or PRK, we’ll give you a cool compress for your ride home, but it’s also a good idea to have one waiting for you in your refrigerator. It will feel great on your eyelids after your procedure. Try to sleep or rest with your eyes closed after you return home. You may resume normal activities the same or following day. You can lift weights and exercise, but do not rub your eyes! Your vision may still be blurry, but this is a normal part of your healing process and will clear in the days and weeks following the procedure. Most people see well enough to work the next day.