Step 1 - Call for a Free Consultation.
Your first step is to call to make an appointment for a free personal LASIK consultation by calling (703) 273-2398. In this call, the specialized testing described in Step 2 is arranged.
Step 2 - Free, Painless Pre-op Testing.
Advanced corneal topography (eye mapping), corneal thickness measuring and infrared pupil measuring are performed to ensure your candidacy for LASIK and to plan for your successful LASIK outcome.
Step 3 - The Free LASIK Consultation.
During your consultation, you’ll learn if you are a candidate for LASIK laser vision correction and learn about what to expect from the LASIK procedure. (This appointment usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.) Bring any glasses and any glasses or contact lens prescriptions that you may have to this appointment.
Step 4 - Eye Examination.
After you have decided to have LASIK laser vision correction, your eyes will be carefully examined and refracted with a strong dilating drop. (Dilation is important for obtaining the correct refraction measurements.) This appointment takes about one hour. As the dilation makes focusing for near work difficult, most patients plan to go home after this appointment instead of going back to work. (Steps 3 and 4 are frequently combined into the same appointment.)
Step 5 - LASIK Surgery.
Dr. Dressler uses either the Intralase laser or the mechanical flapmaker
to make a corneal flap; then under the flap she uses the cool waves
of the excimer laser to gently sculpt away nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with
microscopic precision in only a few minutes. You will be awake during the
procedure and you should feel little or no discomfort during it. Computerized
technology and the care and experience of Dr. Dressler offer patients predictable
outcomes and a quick recovery.
Step 6 - Recovery.
Immediately following the surgery, you will rest at the Laser Center for about 30 minutes. You will be given Alleve and Valium which will alleviate the few hours of post-op irritation. Your eyes will be checked to be sure everything is fine from the laser procedure and you will be released to go home (with a relative or friend driving) to rest for the next 3 to 4 hours with your eyes gently closed. Later that evening you should be able to watch TV in a darkened room.
Step 7 - Follow-up Exams.
You will return to Dr. Dressler’s office the day after surgery for a check of your vision. On the day after LASIK surgery, most patients are very comfortable and can return to their normal activities. Other normal follow-up exams are at one week, one month, three months, six months and 12 months after your surgery. (The costs of these visits are all included in your global laser fee.)
