FAQ’s

Is Laser Vision Correction Painful?
Laser Vision Correction is generally considered to be a “painless procedure”.  Your eyes are numbed with anesthetic eye drops and you are awake and aware during the entire procedure.  You will also be given a light sedative to help calm your nerves and help you relax before the procedure.  Patients do experience what they describe as slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure.  About 20 minutes after the surgery the numbing drops start to wear off and patients experience a dry, gritty feeling, however, they feel much better after taking a nap.  You will be provided with lubricating drops that you can use as often as you like to help with this sensation as well.

Is Laser Vision Correction An Outpatient Procedure?
Yes, you should plan to be at the laser center for about four hours.  This will include pre-testing and prepping your eyes for surgery.  Overall, the procedure takes approximately 10 minutes per eye, during which the laser will be used anywhere from 15-90 seconds.  The Optometrist will re-check your eyes 20 minutes after the procedure and send you home to rest.

How Soon Can I Return To Regular Activities?
For the first day immediately following your procedure, you are strongly encouraged to rest and keep your eyes closed.  You should avoid rubbing or touching your eyes for 24 hours and should be very cautious when doing so throughout the first week.  It is advisable to stay away from contact sports for one week and be sure to wear protective eyewear when you begin to participate again.  You should not wear eye makeup or use a hot tub, whirlpool, sauna or swimming pool for one week.  Also, avoid getting soap, water, perfume, hairspray and aftershave in your eyes for one week.  These are only precautionary steps that we encourage you to take during the healing process.  Healing time may vary between individuals—your Optometrist may suggest other steps or require longer waiting periods for certain activities.

How Soon Can I Drive?
You will need a driver to take you home from the laser center after your procedure and to your one day post-op the following day.  Usually your Doctor will release you to drive at your one day post-operative exam, but they may have you wait a few extra days. 

How Soon Can I Return To Work?
TLC usually performs surgeries on Fridays so patients can have the weekend to recover.  Most patients are seeing well enough to return to work the following Monday.  You vision may fluctuate the first few weeks, so if you are on a computer or perform close-up work throughout the day you may want to take frequent breaks to let your eyes rest.  If you work in an environment with a lot of dirt and debris your Doctor may require you to take a few more days off work to prevent an infection or vision threatening complications that may occur.

Why Should I Co-Manage With Rx Optical?
At Rx Optical, our Optometrists work closely with TLC’s surgeons to provide the best care for all of our patients.

Once you elect to have Laser Vision Correction, your Co-Managing Doctor is with you from beginning to end.  He / she will perform your pre-operative evaluation and manage your post-operative care.  Rx Optical also has a  Laser Vision Coordinator who will meet with you prior to your evaluations to go over everything with you and make sure that all of your questions are answered.  She will be with you the day of surgery at the laser center to support you and be there for your family while you are having surgery.  Many patients find this support to be comforting and we are the only Co-Managing practice to offer this level of service. 

Rx Optical offers Laser Vision Correction as another option in correcting your vision .  We believe it is our responsibility to provide you with information and educate you on all of your options so you can make the most informed decision.  We take this responsibility seriously.  That is why we have partnered with TLC Laser Eye Centers — to assure that our patients who chose the Laser Vision Correction option are receiving the best possible care giving them the potential for the best possible outcome.