Comprehensive Exam
A comprehensive dilated examination is the only way to know which vision correction procedure is best for you. We do this at no charge because we believe so strongly in giving our 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 & 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 & answer any questions you have. No more dilation! With our latest & greatest tech, you no longer have to be dilated during your exam & suffer through the annoying effects the rest of the day!
Before Procedure
We’d like you to leave your contacts out prior to your procedure; it’s usually just a few days. 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 prior to your procedure. We will give you a Recovery Kit that includes your prescription drops and everything you need for after your procedure. We’ll also explain & give you written instructions for your post-op care, which includes using these eye drops four times a day for seven days. All of your post-operative appointments will be scheduled before your procedure, so you can simply go home when the procedure is complete.
Day of Procedure
We understand that this procedure may create nervousness and fear & have worked very hard to make it easy for you. We offer an oral sedative (Valium) to help you relax & encourage you to take it if medically appropriate. We want your experience to be as comfortable as possible. Dr. Sharpe or Dr. Barker will gently talk you through each step of the process, so you know what you will feel, see & 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.
Post-Procedure
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 & burn. After LASIK, this discomfort usually lasts 4-5 hours. To help with the burning, we supply you with “comfort drops” in the Recovery Kit that have numbing medicine & artificial tears in them. We will give you a cool compress to put on your eyelids & we recommend you have one waiting in your fridge. It will really help with the discomfort. Try to sleep or rest with your eyes closed when you get home. You may resume normal activities the same or following day. You can lift & exercise, but do not rub your eyes. Your vision may still be foggy; this is a normal part of your healing process & will clear in the days & weeks following the procedure. Most people see well enough to work the next day.