Prepare yourself every step of the way.

Before your Consultation:

Ask your doctor when you should stop wearing your contact lenses.

Certain types of contact lenses can distort the shape of your cornea, which could lead to incorrect measurements, and thus affect your vision correction outcome. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to be prepared to stop wearing them (or switch them out for your glasses) for anywhere from 3 days up to a couple of weeks prior to your LASIK vision correction.

Do you wear soft contacts?
You will only need to stop wearing them 3 days prior to your consultation/LASIK surgery, providing your scans are normal.

Do you wear hard contacts?
You will likely need to stop wearing them four to eight weeks prior to your consultation/LASIK procedure. This varies by patient, please consult your surgeon.

On the day of your Consultation:
The consultation involves a thorough eye exam in which your medical and eye health will be evaluated. A series of diagnostic tests will be performed to look at every aspect of your eyes. Your pupils will be dilated to allow the doctor to examine the inside of your eyes. The goal of the appointment is to educate you about your treatment options and collect information so we can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. Another portion of your consultation will be devoted to explaining laser vision correction. The possible risks and benefits will be reviewed with you; the cost of laser vision correction will also be discussed. You will have an opportunity to ask questions or bring up potential concerns.

After your consultation:
At the end of the consultation, we will be able to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for LASIK or another vision correction option, and you will have time to consider your options. When you feel ready, you can move forward with scheduling your treatment.

Before vision correction surgery:
If you wear contact lenses, you will again need to be prepared to stop wearing them (or switch them out for your glasses) 3 days prior to your procedure. Arrange for a ride.

On the day of your laser vision correction, you will need someone to drive you home from the procedure. Make sure you've enlisted a friend or family member to pick you up. Following your vision correction, you vision may be blurry, and you may still feel the effects of the medicine opted to use during the LASIK procedure.

On the day of your laser vision correction surgery
Do not wear eye makeup. You should not wear eye makeup (or use eye creams) the night before or the day of your laser vision correction. You should also avoid using perfume or cologne.

Eat and drink as usual-with one exception.
There is no need to fast prior to laser vision correction. However, you should not drink alcohol or take medication which may cause drowsiness prior to your vision correction.

Leave yourself plenty of time.
Plan to be at our office approximately 1 hour in total. While the actual laser vision correction surgery only takes an average of 10-15 minutes, be sure you have arrived at your designated time on the day of your laser vision correction. Allowing the remainder of that hour to complete the appropriate paperwork and financing.

After vision correction surgery
Congratulations you have successfully competed your laser eye surgery, have a family member/friend/uber drive you home and wear your sunglasses which will be provided.

You may notice you can already see an improvement, but vision is very fuzzy and will feel irritated for the next couple of hours Rest your eyes and keep them closed so that they are comfortable.

Ideally you will want to take a nap while wearing clear plastic googles, which will also be provided, to assist with the recovery process. You may experience mild sensitivity/foreign body sensation/burning and tearing for a few hours but there should be minimal discomfort. After 2 hours, remove the plastic shields and, as directed by your surgeon, begin using your prescribed eye drops for healing and to keep your eyes comfortable, and lubricated.

Avoid rubbing, squeezing or touching your eyes after LASIK surgery, since the surface of your eyes are still sensitive. Wear your plastic shields when sleeping and if your eyes are sensitive to light, wear your sunglasses. If your eyes become dry or irritated, use your preservative-free artificial tears to help keep your eyes comfortable.

Don't take a shower the first day and avoid getting soap and water in your eyes for several days.
No eye makeup for 1 week following your procedure.
No swimming or hot tubs for 2 weeks
No sports for 1 week (volleyball, baseball basketball Ect)
No contact sports for 1 month (Boxing, Martial Arts ect)

99% of people have legal driving vision the next day. Meanwhile Your vision continues to improve for several months after LASIK.

Follow-up care/instructions and appointments are an important part of your recovery. We are committed to making sure you heal properly and are as comfortable as possible.

1 day after LASIK Procedure
your first post-operative appointment will be 24 to 48 hours after your laser eye surgery. Your eye doctor will test your vision, make sure your eyes are healing properly, and answer any questions you may have.
Continue to use the prescribed drops and/or medicines to lubricate your eyes. Keep wearing your eye shields while you sleep, and refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes. Lotions, creams, and eye make-up should also be avoided for about 7 days after LASIK surgery.

It's a good idea to protect your eyes anytime you are outside, day or night, for the first 2-3 weeks following LASIK surgery. Sunglasses work well for this during the day, and clear protective glasses can be worn while out at night.

1 week after LASIK Procedure
Your second post op will be 3-5 days after your laser eye surgery to insure proper healing. As your eyes are healing, your vision may fluctuate a bit day to day. This is typical with laser correction and you should not be alarmed. During this stabilization period some glare, halos, night vision difficulty may be experienced. These are generally short-term symptoms that tend to get better by themselves in time.
Continue to use your prescribed eye drops, as directed.
Keeping your eyes well lubricated will assist with the post LASIK surgery results.
Always know to contact Bismarck LASIK if you have questions, develop any unusual symptoms, experience any pain, or suspect a problem.

After seven days, you may stop using your eye shields at night.
1 month after laser procedure

In your 1 month post-op appointment, your eye doctor will give you a standard eye test, to see how your vision has improved, and track your progress.

Some vision fluctuation, sensitivity to light, and tearing or dryness is normal and part of the healing process. You may still need to use the artificial tears after your LASIK procedure, although you can slowly taper off them in the coming months.

3-6 Months After LASIK Procedure
In the 3-6 month period following your laser surgery procedure you should be gaining optimum vision as a result of your treatment. No appointment is required unless requested by yourself or your doctor.
Be sure to continue with your annual exams to monitor the overall health of your eyes.