The Procedure Day

On the day of your procedure, it’s natural to feel both anticipation and nervousness. When you arrive at the TLC Laser Eye Center, Cleveland, where your OPI surgeon performs the procedure, we want you to know that we're here for you every step of the way.  Our focus is on your comfort, safety, and vision results.

To prepare for your procedure day, keep these things in mind:

• Arrive at the TLC Laser Eye Center location as rested and relaxed as possible
• Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness. You may eat normally and take your routine medications, unless otherwise instructed bo your OPI doctor.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Do not use creams, lotions, eye makeup, perfume, hair spray, or wear earrings.
• Since contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, and LASIK treats the cornea, it’s important to allow time for your eye to return to its normal curvature by not wearing contact lenses prior to your procedure. Your OPI doctor will let you know how long you'll need to be out of your contacts before the procedure.  
• Allow about two to four hours for the entire process.
• Be sure to have someone drive you home afterward.

Recovery
Following the LASIK procedure, your eyes may feel irritated and may tear or water for a few hours. Your OPI doctor may prescribe a mild pain reliever if you experience any discomfort.  Another way that patients feel more comfortable is by taking a short nap afterwards while wearing rpotective eye shields.  During the early healing stage in particular, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes.  As the healing process begins, it is not unusual to experience dryness in your eyes for several days, or in some patients, longer.  For your comfort, your OPI doctor will prescribe drops that help prevent infection and reduce dryness.  Many patients feel comfortable returning to work a day or two after their procedure.  The overall speed of your recovery depends on personal healing patterns and your prescription.  

Risks
LASIK is surgery, and like all surgeries, there is a potential for risks and complications. Every eye heals differently and it is not possible to predict precisely how your eye will heal. While only a very small number of LASIK patients experience a complication, it is important to speak to your OPI doctor about any potential risks prior to the surgery. Through proper screening and our comprehensive consultation along with diligent post-procedure care, your OPI doctor can identify and address any potential complications.  

Your LASIK Results
After LASIK, patients often expect that they will be completely free of glasses or contact lenses.  Instead, think of laser vision correction as a procedure that reduces your dependence on glasses or contacts.  Most LASIK patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure.  While no one can guarantee 20/20 vision, most LASIK patients do achieve 20/20 or are within one or two lines of 20/20 vision on the eye chart.