Before and After CK Surgery

Is Preparation Necessary for the Pre-procedure Exam?

Preparation is minimal but important. Your eyes must be allowed to return to their natural shape for accurate pre-surgery measurements.

Soft lenses must be removed 2 weeks prior to your pre-procedure exam. After your dilated measurements are taken, do not reinsert your lenses at all prior to your procedure.

Hard, semi-hard, rigid, and gas-permeable lens wearers will have 2 pre-surgical exams. Because hard lenses alter the shape of the eye more than soft lenses do, they must be removed 3-4 weeks before your first exam and must not be reinserted at all before your procedure. You may wear glasses or be fit with soft contacts during this period. Your second exam will be scheduled 3-4 weeks after the first. Do not reinsert your hard lenses at all prior to your procedure. If your measurements are stable at your second exam, you can expect to be dilated for complete measurements.

Dilated Exam

Your pupils will be dilated and we will take extensive eye measurements specific to your procedure. You can expect to be in our office for 1-2 hours during this exam and will need to be driven home after your appointment. Your dilation will cause light sensitivity for 1-2 days following the exam. Please don’t hesitate to call us with questions at any time.

What Happens After Surgery?

Your vision will be blurry after surgery, and you will need to be driven home. We recommend that you not return to work for 1-3 days, but some people feel ready to get started again the next day. Consider taking a few more days off if your job poses any risk or strain to your eyes.

Visual recovery time varies by individual, and most people experience vision changes from 2-4 weeks after surgery. No swimming, hot tubs, or saunas are allowed for the first week. Achieving your final results can take up to 3 months. There are no post-surgical physical activity restrictions. You can play sports after CK, but should wear safety glasses during contact games, most definitely during the first month after the procedure.

Normal side effects occur during the post-procedure period. These can include:

• — Mild to moderate burning, watering and irritation for 2 to 3 days
• — “Smeary vision” (like dirty glasses) for about 1 month
• — Glare or halos, especially when driving at night, for about a month
• — Slight over correction of your vision for a few weeks
• — Distant objects may appear blurry, but near objects will be very clear

Follow-up care is very important to achieving your best possible outcome. During your recovery, you will have a number of examinations scheduled in order that your healing progresses properly. The following are closely monitored:

• — The healing of the cornea
• — Your eye medications
• — Any infection or complication possibilities
• — Your general eye health
• — Your uncorrected and best corrected vision
• — The possibility of your need for more spots

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