As part of preparation for LASIK surgery, you will receive a dilated pre-operative eye exam. At Cutarelli Vision, we believe this can be one of the most important steps of your procedure.
If you are having your LASIK candidacy screening performed through your own eye care professional, you are still required to complete a pre-operative LASIK exam at our office before your LASIK procedure. We will be unable to confirm your candidacy for LASIK or LASIK alternatives until these tests are completed.
For your eye exam, we will need to dilate you to look inside your eyes. We recommend that you bring a dark pair of sunglasses or we’ll be happy to supply you with disposable during your appointment. Although rare, some patients may not like being dilated, or might have extreme light sensitivity. In this case, we recommend you bring someone with you to drive.
Your current prescription needs to be stable during the last 2 years in order for LASIK to be appropriate at this time.
Contact lenses warp the corneal surface and cause measurements that are not representative of your true refraction. You will have to stop wearing contact lenses prior to LASIK eye surgery. The time interval required depends upon the type of lens and how long you have been wearing them, and may be longer than the minimum times listed below depending on your initial topography results.
Some ocular or systemic diseases and medications can affect your suitability as a candidate for LASIK.
Previous ocular problems: This refers to such conditions as lazy eyes , strabismus , or double vision and will need to be addressed in order to validate your candidacy for LASIK.
Be sure to inform Dr. Cutarelli about any eye related injury, regardless of how long ago it occurred.
You and Dr. Cutarelli will go over the results of your exam together and further plan your LASIK eye surgery.
Schedule and prepare for your LASIK procedure. This appointment will be scheduled at the time of your comprehensive LASIK eye exam.
LASIK Eye Surgery At Cutarelli Vision Is An Out-Patient Procedure, Which Means That You Walk Into Our Surgical Suite, Have Your Procedure, And Then Walk Out Again. Dr. Cutarelli Typically Performs LASIK Surgeries On Wednesday And Friday Afternoons At Our On-Site Surgery Center In Denver And Fort Collins, Colorado. Your LASIK eye surgery procedure will be scheduled at the time of your comprehensive LASIK eye exam.
No medications are prescribed before your procedure.
It is completely natural and normal if you feel nervous, anxious or excited prior to LASIK eye surgery. We will do everything possible to make this an excellent and positive experience for you. We will also give you a small dosage of Xanax, Ativan or Valium to help you relax.
It Is Important To Arrive One Hour Prior To Your LASIK Appointment Time And Be As Well Rested As Possible. The Entire LASIK Process, Including Recovery, Will Take Approximately Two Hours Or Less. The Actual Procedure Can Take Less Than Five Minutes!
Prior to your LASIK procedure, it is very natural to feel a mixture of eager anticipation and nervousness. Most LASIK patients describe similar experiences, so be reassured this is both common and absolutely normal. You will be given a mild sedation, such as Valium, Xanax or Ativan, to help you relax during your procedure (and to nap at home afterwards).
LASIK eye surgery is an out patient procedure, which means that you walk into our surgery facility, have your procedure and then walk out again.
After LASIK, your vision will most likely be somewhat fuzzy at first, like looking though plastic. This is completely normal. You’ll go home to rest and relax for approximately four hours to facilitate the healing process of the flap. After this period, many patients can watch television without glasses! Still expect some fuzziness or cloudiness throughout the night. Someone must be present to drive you should you need to go somewhere.
As With Other Surgeries, Recovery Is A Very Important Component Of The LASIK Process. It’s Up To The Patient To Follow Our Instructions.
Before you leave to go home, your eyes will be examined again (usually 15 minutes to 1 hour following the surgery) to ensure that the flap is positioned correctly. Along with your anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications, you will be given mild sedatives to help you sleep.
After about 30 minutes after your LASIK procedure, the anesthetic drops used in the laser procedure will begin to wear off and you may experience some minor discomfort such as sand or an eyelash in your eye. It is usually unnecessary to take medication for these symptoms, but should you need it, Tylenol, Advil or any non-aspirin analgesic is recommended. Artificial teardrops, included in your supplies, often provide some relief. No matter what, do not rub your eyes!
Your vision might be foggy or blurry because of the swelling on the cornea. It might be similar to looking through plastic or being under water.
Once your LASIK procedure is complete you will be able to go home almost immediately to rest. Try to sleep for at least 4 hours to facilitate the healing process of the flap. Most of our patients wake up from their nap with little or no discomfort and notice a significant improvement in their vision.
Plan to relax for the remainder of the day following your procedure. Although you can, it is recommended that you wait to drive until Dr. Cutarelli verifies your vision during your one-day post-operative exam.
By the next morning, you should notice a dramatic improvement in your vision. Be sure to enjoy this moment as it only happens once! Take a look at your alarm clock. Look out your bedroom window and see the neighborhood, as it has never appeared to you before. The quick recovery of functional vision is impressive and often described as miraculous.
It is typical to have up to an 80-90% improvement in vision by the next morning after your procedure and return to most routine activities promptly.
Follow-up care can be just as important as the actual procedure. You will be required to use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops on a regular basis for a several weeks.
Wait about 1 minute between drops
To monitor healing, it is essential that you see Dr. Cutarelli the day after surgery, again at three weeks, and then at three months and six months following the surgery.
You Will Be Required To Return To Our Office After Your LASIK Procedure For The Vital Post-Operative Appointments. These Appointments Will Be Scheduled Either Before Or After Your Laser Vision Correction Surgery.
Each post-operative appointment is vital to the success of your treatment, even if it seems your vision is perfect. Sometimes complications can start small and be unnoticeable to the patient. Most of the time, Dr. Cutarelli can detect an arising complication during your post-op visit before the situation escalates.
You may schedule post-operative care with your original eye care professional if you prefer. We are happy to work with other practices to manage your post-op care. Please keep in mind that you must make your follow-up appointments with that office prior to your surgery date and that you are responsible for any additional fees. Be prepared to furnish Cutarelli Vision with the pertinent information and completed forms necessary for the transfer. We are happy to facilitate this process for you.
Additionally, Dr. Cutarelli will want to know if you have any concerns about your vision or your eyes at any time.
