Post Op LASIK tips for the tech

REASSURE, REASSURE, REASSURE and then reassure the patient some more!

If they come in post operatively and are not seeing the pre operative goal (vision) REASSURE the patient that not everyone sees perfectly the day after surgery and remind them that visual fluctuation is perfectly NORMAL. We will not consider a patient for retreatment for at least 90 days and even then, there MUST be documented stability of vision.

DO NOT WORK SO HARD ON PO REFRACTION!

DO NOT USE THE AUTO REFRACTOR, except for axis.

Start with 0.50 plus or minus and use 0.50 increments.

If you do not fog, use the red/green chart.

If concerned about seeing their Optometrist,

**Remind the patient that their OD is very qualified and your surgeon will not release them into another doctor’s care, if he did not think it prudent and in the best interest of the patient.

**The OD will return patient to your surgeon if there were any concerns or considerations.

**Patient may return to our office without charge, whenever they like.

Post Operative LASIK/PRK Instructions

The day of surgery it is critical the LASIK patient goes home and keeps eye closed for the rest of the day. You may open eyes to walk to the restroom or eat, but keeping your eyes closed until the following morning is instrumental in the healing process. Doing otherwise may affect the postoperative outcome.

Patients may use Celluvisc for discomfort, tearing or scratchiness, but artificial tears are NOT REQUIRED the day of surgery.

Patient will use one drop of antibiotic and the steroid in each eye, twice on the evening of surgery and then 4 times a day for 7 days after surgery.

IF PRK – They will have a prescription for Ambien and a very small bottle of tetracaine will be given to the patient for discomfort PRN. They will NOT be given any more tetracaine. It will impede healing. They may be on Omnipred rather than FML.

It is normal for a small amount of discharge to collect on the edge of the eyelids overnight and during the day. To remove this discharge, close the eye and gently wipe the edge of the eyelids with sterile gauze, cotton ball or a clean face cloth that has been moistened with clean warm running tap water.

Do not rub or push on the eye.

If patient is on Restasis, they may re-start on the 3^rdpost- operative day.

FOR 7 DAYS AFTER SURGERY:

• You must sleep in your goggles
• Avoid getting water, moisture and/or sweat in your eyes
• No swimming or hot tubs
• No eye make up, eyeliner or mascara. Replace old mascara and/or eyeliner when beginning again

FOR 4 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY:

Wear protective eyewear for ANY contact sports

DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES!!!!!!!!

Wear your sunglasses and use artificial tears to protect against regression.

Patients should be using tears as often as:

• 1 drop every hour for the 1^st month
• 1 drop every 2 hours the 2^nd month
• 1 drop every 3 hours the 3^rd month
• 1 drop every 4 hours the 4^th month

And so on….