Arrival
The total time in our facility will be approximately 1 hour or less.  You will need someone to drive you home.  Our center has a comfortable viewing area.  Friends and family are invited to watch the procedure if they are interested in doing so.

You will be offered an oral sedating medication.  Dr. Schneider then meets with every patient prior to the procedure to answer any last minute questions and recheck your measurements personally.  He believes that your surgeon should have the primary role in customizing your treatment plan, and that it should not be left up to other doctors or technicians.

The laser suite
You will be escorted to the laser suite.  You will be asked to lie on a comfortable reclined chair/bed.  Several anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb the eyes.  Dr. Schneider will talk you through each and every step. 

The first step in the reshaping of the eye is the creation of the corneal flap.  This is accomplished with the Intralase laser.  This is the only true blade free technique.  Dr. Schneider uses it exclusively because of the superior results and safety it provides.  You will feel a slight pressure sensation as the special focusing devise positions the eye.  This portion of the procedure lasts 20 seconds.  The pressure is usually described as “slightly uncomfortable”.  At the end of the 20 second period, the focusing device is removed and the corneal flap is created.  You will feel nothing for the remainder of the procedure.

Reshaping the cornea
Dr. Schneider will carefully position the bed so that your eye is precisely aligned under the microscope and aiming beam of the laser.  In order to prevent blinking, a simple device is used to keep the eyelids open.  There will be no discomfort during this second step.  You will be directed to look at a red focusing light.  The laser’s eye tracking system will follow any tiny movements of the eye.

As the laser reshapes your eye, you will hear a loud snapping sound generated by the laser, but you will feel nothing.  Most laser applications last less than 30 seconds.  At the end of the treatment, the corneal flap will be carefully replaced in perfect position.

After LASIK
When you leave the office, you should go home and rest.  It is unlikely that you will have much discomfort after surgery, but there may be mild irritation or scratchy feeling that can last 4 to 6 hours.  The relaxing medication given to you at the office will help you to relax in order to sleep through this phase.

You will be given prescription eye drops to use.  It is important that you follow the eye drop instructions exactly as instructed.

Visual recovery
LASIK surgery affords rapid visual recovery.  It is likely that you will be able to drive by the day after the procedure.  Most patients return to work the next day.  The vision will be clear, but not as clear as it is going to be after the next few weeks.  Everyone heals at a different rate.  Complete recovery of vision and stability typically occurs after about 3 months.  The final outcome may be achieved sooner for some than others, longer in high levels of myopia and hyperopia.
Back to top

Why Choose Us | Procedures | Understanding LASIK | Testimonials | Contact Us