What to Expect
Before Surgery
Once you and your Ophthalmologist decide that surgery is the next step, your doctor’s Administrative Team will reach out to walk you through each step of the process.
You may be prescribed eye drops to begin before surgery and possibly continue after.
For convenience, you can download and print our Patient Checklist under the “Resources” tab. This tool makes it easier to keep track of these important steps to ensure the best surgical outcome:
- Medical clearance from your PCP or Cardiologist
- Scheduled surgical date
- Surgical arrival time
- Transportation arrangements
- Eating & drinking restrictions
- Eye drops
- What to bring on the day of surgery
- Health changes to notify us about before surgery
- Phone number to reach your Ophthalmologist’s Administrative Team
The day before your procedure, Boston Eye Surgery and Laser Center will call you to confirm your arrival time and review pre-operative instructions.
The Day of Surgery
- A receptionist will check you in and provide an identity bracelet (you will need to present your ID upon check in).
- After checking in, the front desk will have you take a seat in the waiting room until your nurse calls your name (the wait may range from 20 minutes up to an hour).
- In the preoperative area, your nurse will confirm your name, date of birth, medications, allergies, and procedure. If needed, dilating drops will be given. You’ll receive a gown, cap, booties, nasal cannula, and EKG leads, and your vital signs will be monitored.
- The Anesthesia Team will then assess your health, medical clearance, and start an IV to provide relaxing medication in the operating room.
- While you are monitored, your nurse will review post-operative instructions with you and answer any questions. You’ll also receive a copy of these instructions to take home.
- When it is time, a nurse will assist you into the operating room. You’ll be positioned on the operating chair, connected to monitors, and provided with a warm blanket for comfort. You must be able to lay flat during the procedure.
- The operating room staff will introduce themselves and confirm your information (name, date of birth, procedure, allergies). They will then prepare your surgical site and establish a sterile field. Your eye will be numbed with eye drops, and anesthetizing agents will be administered to help you feel relaxed and pain free.
During Surgery
- You will remain awake. Many patients are surprised when told the surgery is complete, as they often do not realize it has begun.
- Due to the amnesia effect of anesthesia, experiences can feel different if you return for a second surgery. Think of it like driving to a new destination or re-watching a movie—you notice new details the second time around.
- The surgeon will use a microscope with a bright light. You may notice colors, shapes, or shifting lights, but you will not see what is being done to your eye.
After Surgery
- Once surgery is complete, more eye drops will be instilled. Not all surgeries require an eye patch. The surgeon will communicate with the OR Team if an eye patch is needed.
- Our Nursing Team will transport you to the recovery area, monitor your vital signs, and review discharge instructions with you.
- You will be brought to the waiting room once you are discharged from the recovery area. From there, your responsible adult who accompanied you to surgery will escort you to your vehicle and bring you to your home.
- Please follow your surgeon’s 24-hour restrictions carefully. (Refer to your discharge instructions)
- Shortly after discharge, our nurse team will call to check on you, answer questions, and gather feedback. If you miss the call (often due to a well-deserved nap), you can return the call at your convenience or discuss it at your postoperative appointment with your doctor.
