Before Procedure Care

  • If you are currently taking Motrin or Aspirin, consult with your physician and if possible please discontinue one week before 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.
  • You must return 5-7 days after the procedure for a post-operative appointment.
  • No caffeine (4) hours prior to the procedure.
  • Pick up your prescription of anti-inflammatory drops at a local pharmacy. Shake the medication well, place 1 drop every 6 hours starting 2 days 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

  • Arrive at your check-in time and plan to be at our center for approximately 2 hours.
  • Your eye(s) will be anesthetized with topical eye drops so you will experience minimal discomfort.
  • Please bring extra clothing; the procedure room is kept cool to ensure maximal performance of the laser.
  • Please turn cell phones and pagers off before entering the procedure room.
  • Please do not chew gum during the procedure.
  • Advise the surgeon if you feel the need to cough, swallow or move during the procedure.

After Procedure Care

  • When instilling drops, look up and place in lower eyelids to avoid the bottle 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 instilling different eye drops.
  • Keep your Eye Shield(s) on until the morning after the procedure. The shield(s) must be worn while napping or sleeping for 2 weeks.
  • Rest your eyes as much as possible the first day after your procedure. (A dark room is best for your comfort). Avoid squeezing your eyes.
  • You must wear sunglasses when you’re outside at all times even when hazy.
  • Try to stay away from polluted areas which may cause irritation. For example: smoke, dust.
  • You may return to your normal daily activities the following day. You must avoid swimming for 2 weeks following your procedure.
  • 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.
  • Using the anti-inflammatory drops as prescribed is extremely important in order to prevent post-op complications and recurrence of the Pterygium.
  • Do not attempt to drive until you can do so safely
  • Do not wear hooded apparel.

Things to Avoid After the Procedure

  • Do not rub, bump or squeeze your eyes for 2 weeks.
  • Be careful around children because they have the tendency to reach for the eyes.
  • Do not get soap, water or eye make-up (mascara/eyeliner) into the operated eye(s) for 2 weeks.
  • Do not attempt to drive until you can do so safely.
  • Do not wear eye make-up for 1 week following your procedure.
  • 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. Do not swim or participate in vigorous sports, anything that could come in contact or hit your eyes, for 2 weeks. Non-contact exercise such as walking, jogging and light aerobics is okay.

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 a couple of months.
  • You may experience sensitivity to light. Sunglasses, especially polarized sunglasses can help decrease glare.
  • Your eyes will be red for up to 4 weeks.
  • Most patients resume their normal activity and return to work within 1-2 days after their procedure.

When to Call Your Doctor

  • Increased pain after the first day after procedure.
  • Discharge or increased redness.
  • Abrupt changes in vision
  • Please call IQ Laser Vision at 626.854.2020 or your co-managing doctor for immediate assistance