You will arrive at the laser center about a half hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in, you may ask for a sedative if you need help relaxing. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned, and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Next, you will be escorted to our laser suite where you are placed in a comfortable chair and more anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure. Next, a thin corneal flap will be made with the use of a microkeratome. During the creation of the flap, it is normal for your vision to gray out or go dark, and you may also feel some pressure, but no pain. We ask that you lie still and not talk for approximately one minute while the flap is being made. Dr. Moore will guide you step by step through your procedure. You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. With the push of a button, Dr. Moore sends your unique preprogrammed information from the laser's computer to the device, and the cool beams begin to gently reshape the corneal curvature. The ActiveTrak device automatically follows even the slightest eye movements during the treatment portion of the procedure assuring that every pulse is delivered exactly where it is intended. Typically the amount of tissue removed is thinner than a human hair. To finish the procedure, the protective layer will be folded back into place where it will bond without the need for stitches. Dr. Moore will make certain that your corneal flap is perfectly sealed. Once your eyes have been examined, you are led to the recovery area. Following your procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Then you will be given additional eye drops, and your eyes may be shielded for protection. Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first, so someone will need to drive you home. You should relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some discomfort for 3 to 4 hours, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people experience sensitivity to light, and watering or swelling of their eyes for a few days following their procedure.