Post-Operative Instructions

Before you leave the surgery center, the Optometrist will place clear eye shields on your eyes.  We recommend that you wear these all day on the first day and for the next four nights while sleeping.  This will help to protect your eyes. 

You will also be sent home with sunglasses since your eyes will be very sensitive to the sunlight.  You should wear these outside for the next week to prevent you from squinting.  Our Optometrists recommend that after your one week post-op, you purchase a pair of sunglasses with UV protection.  After making such an investment in your eyes, you do not want to take any chances with Cataracts, Macular Degeneration or any other eye disease that can be caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays.

You are to bring your anti-biotic drops, which you should have already started, with you the day of surgery.  TLC will provide you with the anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops.  You will be instructed on how to use these drops after your procedure.

You will be scheduled for post-op exams at Rx Optical with your co-managing Optometrist so he can monitor your healing.  Our Laser Vision Coordinator will schedule you for your one day, one week, one month, three month, six month and one year post-op examinations.

You should:

· not drive until permitted by your Doctor, usually at the one day post-op.

· avoid taking a shower for 24 hours after surgery and once you start taking showers, try to keep the water, soap, shampoo, etc. out of your eyes. 

· avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and whirlpools for one week. 

· try to stay away from dirty environments or any activities where you could get hit the eye, such as baseball, basketball, etc. until released by your Doctor, usually at your one week post-op exam.

Please remember that everyone heals differently.  Your progress will be monitored at the regularly scheduled visits and your management will be decided accordingly.