THE PROCESS STEP BY STEP

Initial consultation
Before any ophthalmic procedure is recommended, your eyes will be assessed by the ophthalmic consultant. At this initial consultation, which takes about an hour, you will meet your ophthalmic consultant surgeon for the first time. He will examine your eyes thoroughly and discuss with you what procedures, if any, are suitable for your type of prescription.

On the day
Before the treatment you will be offered a sedative to help you relax, and some anaesthetic drops will be placed in your eye to numb them. You will be asked to sit on the laser chair, which will then be reclined so that you are positioned correctly.
After the area around your eyes has been thoroughly cleansed, a small instrument is used to gently hold your eyelids open and prevent blinking. A suction ring is placed on your eye and you will feel a slight pressure on your eyes, the microkeratome OR femtosecond laser is then used to create the corneal flap.
The suction ring is removed and the surgeon carefully lifts the flap and positions the laser over your eye. You will be asked to stare at a red light during the procedure.
The actual laser process takes just a few minutes for each eye, varying slightly according to your prescription. The flap is then put back into place and bonds without the need for stitches.
A shield may be placed over the eye as protection and antibiotic drops applied to prevent infection.

Immediately after treatment
Initially you may experience some mild discomfort and your vision will be blurry or hazy, but hour by hour this will improve. Once you have been examined you will be able to go home. Instructions for aftercare will be explained. You need to arrange for someone to take you home as you cannot drive. We recommend that you rest for a few hours following treatment.

The following days
You will be asked to use eye drops for 3 to 4 weeks to further help the healing process and minimise any temporary discomfort. Special shields may need to remain for the first couple of days to further protect the eyes. In addition, patients need to wear a night shield for the first few weeks to prevent accidental rubbing of the eyes while asleep.