In preparation for surgery, patients are asked not to wear mascara for three days before any of the procedures. For LASIK and ALK, no facial foundation types of make-up should be worn for three days before the surgery. A driver should be available after any refractive surgical procedure to escort the patient home. Finally, hard or gas permeable contact lenses, and soft toric lenses, should be left off the eye for three weeks prior to surgery. Soft lenses, including disposable lenses, should be left off the eye for two weeks prior to surgery.

RESTRICTIONS AFTER REFRACTIVE SURGERY

There are no restrictions on vigorousness of activity, but care should be taken to avoid trauma to the eyes. Take extra care when showering or bathing, and avoid getting soap or water into the eye for the first month.

• Mascara should not be worn for the first three days
  
• Avoid swimming for four weeks after surgery
  
• Avoid eye rubbing for one month after LASIK and ALK
  

FREE SCREENING APPOINTMENT

A screening appointment is available at no charge. Your candidacy for refractive surgery will be evaluated and all your questions regarding these procedures will be personally answered. This appointment provides a basic orientation on refractive surgery: which procedure is best for you, as well as the benefits, risks, and alternative procedures available.