WHAT ARE THE POST OPERATIVE GUIDELINES?

The first 24 hours after your surgery are very important to ensure that the corneal flap adheres perfectly. In order to make you feel most comfortable and to speed-up your recovery, please adhere to the following instructions:

EYE DROPS

1. Vigamox: A prescription will be provided. Use one drop four times a day for four days.
2. Econo-Pred: Use provided medication, one drop four times a day for four days.
3. Lubricating Drops/Artificial Tears: Use provided lubricating drops at a minimum of one drop in each eye every hour that you are awake after your nap, until finished. Thereafter, use over-the-counter preservative free drops as needed for the first week after surgery. (i.e. Refresh Plus, Systane PF, Moisture Eyes, Tears Naturale PF.)

TIPS:

• Please wait one minute between drops to keep from washing medications out of the eye.
• Instill the eye drops with the help of a mirror. Simply look straight into the mirror, pull down your lower lid, and instill one drop. One eye drop is sufficient.

EYE PROTECTION

1. IMPORTANT: Do not rub your eye(s) for the first week.
2. Should you accidentally rub your eye(s), return immediately to the center for a flap check, especially if your vision is blurry or the eye is red or uncomfortable.
3. Wear provided sunglasses on the way home to protect the eye(s) from accidental rubbing after surgery.
4. Use the provided eye shield whenever you are sleeping for the first week after surgery.

ACTIVITIES

1. IMPORTANT: Do not make plans after your surgery. A four to six hour nap is required after your surgery. A sedative will be provided.
2. No swimming or hot tubs for 2 weeks.
3. No eye make-up for one week.
4. Normal bathing/showering is acceptable; please try to keep water and shampoo out of your eye(s). Dab eyes gently to dry – DO NOT rub.
5. Avoid contact sports for one month. (Please ask the doctor about limitations for other activities.)
6. You may exercise 24 hours after surgery. If perspiration gets in an operated eye it may sting, but will not harm the eye.

• Your eye(s) may have red spots, which will diminish over the next couple of weeks.
• It is normal for your eye(s) to feel dry - this will improve. Use lubricating drops as directed above.
• There will be mild fluctuations in your vision, they will subside as the eye(s) heal and adjust to the change in prescription.
• Please remember that everyone heals differently. Your progress will be monitored at your regularly scheduled post op exams.