The Day of Your Surgery
LASIK is an outpatient procedure. Anesthetic eyedrops and a mild sedative are given. You will be awake during the procedure, but you should be quite comfortable.
A special lid retractor is placed between your eyelids to prevent blinking during the procedure. A corneal flap is made with the microkeratome or laser. Your eye is aligned with the laser. You are instructed to look at a flashing light overhead. While you are looking at the light, the laser is reshaping your cornea. The laser reshaping takes about a minute. The corneal flap is then placed back in its original position. Since the cornea has a special bonding ability, sutures are not required. You will be given more eyedrops and an eyeshield. Antibiotic drops will be used to decrease the risk of infection. It is okay to take pain medication, but it is usually unnecessary.
Some discomfort, such as scratchiness or grittiness may be experienced after the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home. Do not drive until your vision has cleared. Initially, it is important that you do not rub, push or squeeze your eye, since doing this could dislodge the corneal flap. The flap becomes very secure and well healed within a very few days. Wear protective eyewear and keep all follow-up appointments as instructed.