Patient information - your surgery | The IRIS experience

Your Surgery

Recommendations

CONTACT LENSES BEFORE SURGERY

For best possible outcome, plan to stop wearing them completely before surgery;

A minimum of 14 days for soft contact lenses;
A minimum of 4 weeks per 10 years of wear for gas permeable semi-rigid contact lenses.

Failure to do so may require postponement of your surgery to a later date.

Surgery day

Wear comfortable clothing, and do not wear clothing that constricts tightly around your neck area.
Do not apply any make-up, powder or foundation to your face.
Do not wear any perfume or lotion (vapours can affect the efficiency of the laser beam).
You can eat, drink and take your usual medications before surgery. Avoid drinks that can increase eye dryness (alcohol, caffeine). Avoid the use of sedative or anti-anxiety agents.
Plan to have someone to take you home afterwards, since you will not be permitted to drive after surgery.
In consideration of other patients and for your own comfort during your visit, please bring someone with you to take care of young children.

Consent form
Before surgery, you will be asked to carefully read and sign a consent form. You may discuss any questions or concerns you still have with your ophthalmologist at this time.

Surgery fees are paid prior to the procedure.

Prior to your surgery

Medication to control anxiety will be given to you, as needed
A complete kit, which includes medication eye drops, sunglasses and artificial tears will be given to you. The nurse or your counsellor, will provide you with directions concerning the frequency of use and the instillation of eye drops.
Do not tie your hair behind the nape of your neck to avoid being uncomfortable during the surgery

Surgery

During the procedure, you will be lying down and your head will rest comfortably on a contoured cushion that limits head movements
Both eyes are usually treated during the same session. On average, the surgery takes less than 10 minutes per eye
Your ophthalmologist will inform you of your progress during the procedure
Afterwards, you will rest in a recovery room. We will recommend that you keep your eyes closed during this period.
The ophthalmologist will examine your eyes prior to your departure from the clinic