Pre & Post Op Instructions

Pred-Moxi Antibiotic

We will provide Pre-Moxi antibiotic drops on the day of your procedure. As a courtesy to our patients, we provide the first bottle of antibiotics complimentary. Every bottle of antibiotics thereafter is a charge of $45.00 to the patient.

Before Procedure Care

• Remove your SOFT contact lenses at least 3 days or HARD/ RGP contact lenses at least 4 weeks prior to your procedure.
• We will not be able to perform your procedure if contact lenses are worn.
• You must arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
• Wash your hair the night before or on the morning of your procedure.
• Eat prior to your appointment. You need to go home and sleep immediately after the procedure.
• No caffeine (4) hours prior to the procedure (no soda, tea, or coffee).
• The doctor may prescribe additional medications such as Restasis/Cequa/Xiidra preoperatively to treat dry eyes. Instructions on how to use the medications will be given prior to your procedure.
• Do not wear make-up on the day of the procedure. Clean off all make-up including mascara the night before and again, the morning of.
• Do not wear any cologne/perfume/face lotion or moisturizer on the day of the procedure.
• Bring your Preventive Eye Care Package bag on procedure day.

Procedure Day

• Use NON-PRESERVATIVE artificial tears (in the small vials) every hour upon awakening on the day of your procedure. Avoid touching your eyes with the tip of the vial.
• If applicable to you, do not use Lid Hygiene or Restasis on the day of procedure.
• Please bring extra clothing; the procedure room is kept cool to ensure maximal performance of the laser.
• Arrive at your check-in time and plan to be at our center for approximately 3 hours.
• You will be given a Meloxicam tablet upon check-in. Please notify the staff if you are allergic to NSAIDs or ibuprofen.
• Please turn off cell phones before entering the procedure room and do not chew gum during the procedure.
• Advise the surgeon if you feel the need to cough, swallow or move during the procedure.
• Do not wear hooded apparel.

After Procedure Care

• Go straight home. You may feel some irritation after the anesthetic wears off, and your eye(s) may be tearing during the first few hours after your procedure. Take the provided sleeping pill. Keep your eyes closed during the first 8 hours after your procedure.
• Keep your eye shield(s) on until the morning after the procedure. The shield(s) must be kept and worn while napping or sleeping for 2 weeks following your procedure.
• Rest your eyes as much as possible until your first post-operative visit. (A dark room is best for your comfort).
• Do not open your eyes quickly if you feel your eyes are “sticky” or are hard to open. Place drops of Artificial Tears on your eyelash line and let it seep into your eyes before slowly opening your eyes.
• When instilling drops, look up and drop in lower eyelids to avoid the tip from contacting your eyes. Close your eyes lightly without squeezing. Place pressure between the inner corner of your eyes and the bridge of your nose. Please wait 2 minutes between different eye drops.
• You may use NON-PRESERVATIVE artificial tears (in the vials ONLY) as often as needed immediately after the procedure. (Brands include: Oasis, Blink, Theratears, Systane, Refresh)
• Vitamin C will be provided on the day of your procedure. Be sure to take1000mg once per day with meals to aid your recovery.
• The doctor will place a contact lens on your eye(s) post-operatively that will be removed at your first post-operative visit. If the lens comes out, preserve it in the contact lens case with solution. DO NOT throw it away. Call us immediately if there is extreme pain.
• The bandage contact lens will be removed 5-9 days after the procedure. Place a drop of preservative-free artificial tears every 30 minutes during the first two weeks.
• Medications – There may be various drops that the doctor will prescribe for you to use after your procedure. You will receive these instructions on the day of your procedure.

Things to Avoid After the Procedure

• Do not attempt to drive until you can do so safely.
• Do not rub, bump, squeeze, or directly touch your eyes for 2 weeks.
• Wait until the next day after your procedure to shower or wash your face or hair, if water gets in your eyes, rinse with artificial tears.
• Exercise caution when dealing with your eyes; be careful not to touch the eye directly.
• You can wear light eye makeup (eg. eyeshadow) 24 hours after your procedure. Non-eye makeup should be fine to use after your post-op exam.
• Try not to get water, soap, sweat, or cosmetics into your eyes. If anything gets into your eyes, please rinse them out with artificial tears.
• Be careful around children and animals because they have the tendency to reach for the eyes.
• Do not swim or participate in any sports that could cause injury to your eyes during the 2 week healing period. 24 hours after your procedure, non-contact exercise such as walking, jogging, and light aerobics is acceptable with caution.
• Wear sunglasses in direct sunlight to minimize possible complications post-surgery

As Your Eye Heals

• As the cornea heals you may experience the following side effects, which will gradually improve within the first few weeks to the next couple of months.
• Your vision will be blurry immediately after the procedure but will improve over the next few days.
• It is common to experience fluctuating vision, halos or glare around lights, particularly at night. These symptoms will slowly improve in the following months.
• You may experience sensitivity to light. Sunglasses, especially polarized sunglasses can help decrease glare.
• You may have redness or red spots on your eyes; these will resolve in approximately 2 weeks.
• Most patients resume their normal activity and return to work within 1-2 days after their procedure.
• Remember to always wear protective goggles when participating in activities that may cause injury to the eyes.

When to Call Your Doctor

• Increased pain after your first post-operative visit.
• Discharge or increased redness.
• Abrupt changes in vision
• Please call IQ Laser Vision at 626.854.2020 or your co-managing doctor