A comprehensive, dilated examination is the only way to know which vision-correction procedure is best for you. We do this at no charge at our laser eye clinic because we believe so strongly in giving patients all the information necessary to make the right treatment choice. While your exam involves comprehensive 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:

The complete exam can take up to 90 minutes. After all the data is collected, our doctor will examine you, discuss the treatment recommendation, and answer any questions you have. Your visit will 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.

We’d like you to leave your contacts out prior to your treatment. After carefully reading through the entirety of the literature you will recieve from your doctor, you will sign a copy of the informed consent in our office prior to the procedure. We will prescribe you an antibiotic drop and a steroid drop for use post-operatively. A SharpeVision team member will explain and give you written instructions for your post-procedure care, which includes using these eye drops four times a day for seven days following your procedure. Have a cool compress waiting for you in the refrigerator for when you get home. It will feel great on your eyelids after your procedure.

We understand that this procedure may create nervousness and fear. We’ve worked very hard to make it easy for you. We offer an oral sedative to help you relax, and we encourage you to take it if medically appropriate. We want your experience to be as comfortable as possible. All of your post-operative appointments will be scheduled before your procedure, so you can simply go home when the procedure is complete. Dr. Sharpe will gently talk you through each step of the process so you know what you will feel, see, and hear. He monitors your eye through the microscope at all times. The entire procedure takes about three minutes per eye; the first laser takes 20 seconds. The second laser takes 10-50 seconds depending on the amount of your prescription.

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. To help with the burning, we supply you with “comfort drops” that have numbing medicine and artificial tears in them. After being driven home, place a cool compress on your eyelids to relieve any discomfort. Try to sleep or rest with your eyes closed. You may resume normal activities the same or following day. You can lift and exercise, but do not rub your eyes. Your vision may still be foggy; 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.