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Prior to the date of your procedure you will be given or sent instructions regarding preparation. You must not wear contact lenses for the prescribed period beforehand. You will also be given instructions on lid hygiene which can also be downloaded from our website.
before the operation
You will be given a set of instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. You must not wear contact lenses for the advised period beforehand. You will also be given instructions on lid hygiene and should only be performed BEFORE the procedure.
on the day
On the day of surgery you will register at the Centre for Sight reception, give your consent and confirm that you have no further questions. You will then be given a sedative to help you relax. Anaesthetic and antibiotic drops will be placed in your eyes, and the area around your eyes will be cleaned with antiseptic. It is recommended that you wear something comfortable.
The Intralase and Excimer lasers are prepared and calibrated prior to the two steps of the operation. You will be brought into the laser room, where your name and date of birth will be reconfirmed, and you will be asked to lie on the laser bed.
Further anaesthetic eye drops will be applied. The IntraLase femtosecond laser will then be used to create your corneal flaps. This will involve placing a suction ring on your eye, which is not painful, although you will feel some pressure. The flaps take a matter of seconds to complete, and your surgeon will keep you informed throughout. We are happy for relatives to watch the operation on a monitor outside the room if you wish.
Once the flaps are created, the laser bed is rotated to the Z100 Excimer laser, where a holder will be placed to keep your eyelids open. The flap created by the Intralase laser is gently lifted and you will be asked to look at a flashing red light while your cornea is reshaped. This takes between 15 and 45 seconds. The flap is then replaced and allowed time to dry. Antibiotic drops are applied to prevent infection. The second eye is then treated once the laser has been recalibrated and all the disposable instruments, gloves and materials have been replaced.
after the operation
When the procedure is over you will be given extra eye drops and protective eyewear and asked to sit in a waiting room with your eyes closed. Before you leave the centre your eyes will be re-examined to ensure your flaps are fine and that you are able to see approximately driving standard (it will still be foggy though). You will need to arrange for someone to take you home as you may feel drowsy after the procedure.
recovery
You will be given eye drops that must be applied as instructed, and careful verbal and written instructions about your aftercare will be given to you and a close relative.
You may feel a little discomfort after the surgery, similar to the sensation you feel when you have something in your eye. We advise you to close your eyes and rest for at least four hours, after which you will feel much more comfortable. You must wear protective eyewear for the first 24 hours after surgery and then at bedtime for four weeks. This will prevent you from rubbing your eyes in your sleep or when you first wake up.
activities after the procedure
| Showering |
Next day with eyes closed |
| Driving |
When you feel comfortable with your vision and are able to meet the visual requirements for driving. The majority of patients are able to accomplish this the day after the procedure |
| Eye make-up |
2 days |
| Mascara |
4 weeks (consider eyelash tinting before surgery) |
| Moderate exercise |
1 week |
| Heavy exercise |
2 weeks |
| Swimming |
4 weeks |
| Scuba diving |
6 weeks |
follow-up
You will be given a follow-up consultation within one to two days of surgery. This appointment is one of the most important so you are advised to book in advance. It gives Centre for Sight an opportunity to test your eyesight, and we will take a corneal topography to measure the new shape of your cornea. We will then ask to see you again after one month and all being well six months.
enhancements
In the rare event that repeat surgery is required, this will be performed once the eyes are stable which is typically 3 months.. This procedure if necessary is in the cost of your treatment.
Centre for Sight has a 24-hour telephone line. Should you have any concerns after your procedure simply call 01342 321201
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