Desert Peaks Surgery Center  

Southwest Eye Institute
1131 Mall Dr, Ste. A
Las Cruces, NM 88011

Surgery Center
Desert Peaks Surgery Center exterior with signage on a light stucco building under a blue sky with clouds.

Caring and Convenient Surgical Care in New Mexico

 At Desert Peaks Surgery Center, we provide high-quality outpatient surgical care for patients throughout New Mexico. Our facility offers a convenient location for ophthalmic procedures, with a team focused on helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and cared for before, during, and after surgery.

We proudly serve patients in Doña Ana, Luna, Grant, Lincoln, and surrounding New Mexico counties.

Preparing for Surgery

We’ve outlined some information to reference as you prepare for your surgery. Please follow your physician’s instructions to prepare for your procedure.
  • You will be prescribed eye drops for your surgery. Be sure to pick up your drops before your scheduled surgery.
  • Drops/Medication Prescribed
    • ERX/Standard Drops (pick up from your pharmacy)
    • In-House Drops (pick up from our office)
Older Hispanic woman in a modern bathroom tilting her head back and putting in glaucoma eye drops after Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) with Southwest Eye Institute

Day of Surgery Instructions

Please follow these instructions carefully. Failure to follow them may result in the cancellation of your surgery.

Eating and Drinking

Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your surgery. This includes water, coffee, gum, mints, and all other food or drinks.

The last meal you eat before the 6-hour fasting window should be light. If you eat a large meal, your surgery may be canceled.

Diabetes Medication Instructions

If your surgery is in the morning:
Do not take your insulin or diabetes medication before surgery. Please bring your insulin or diabetes medication with you so it can be taken after surgery, if needed.

If your surgery is in the afternoon:
Take half of your usual dose of insulin or diabetes medication. Six hours before surgery, eat a light, high-protein meal.

Please contact our office before your surgery day if you have questions about your diabetes medication.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications may be taken the morning of surgery with a small sip of water, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.

Personal Care and Clothing

Please follow these instructions on the day of surgery:

  1. Do not wear makeup. Wash your face the morning of surgery.
  2. Wear a loose blouse or shirt with short sleeves and a loose neckline.
  3. Do not wear earrings, necklaces, or other jewelry.
  4. Shower or bathe the night before or the morning of your surgery.
  5. You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth the morning of surgery, but do not swallow water.
  6. Do not smoke or use electronic cigarettes on the day of surgery.
locations with surgery shot.

Modern Outpatient Surgery Care in Las Cruces

Convenient Location

Clean Facilities

Caring Team

2 Operating Rooms

4 Pre-Op Bays

4 Post-Op Bays

Questions pertaining to your procedure?

Our team is here to help you feel prepared and confident before surgery. Contact Desert Peaks Surgery Center with any questions about your upcoming procedure, pre-op instructions, or what to expect on the day of surgery.

FAQ: Desert Peaks Surgery Center

Desert Peaks Surgery Center is located at 1131 Mall Dr., Suite A, Las Cruces, NM 88011. For questions about an upcoming procedure, call (575) 288-4460.

Desert Peaks Surgery Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday. Surgical arrival times vary, so follow the specific time provided by your care team rather than arriving based solely on the facility’s general hours.

No. Desert Peaks is an outpatient surgery center for ophthalmic procedures. Routine eye exams, surgical evaluations, and most follow-up appointments are completed at a Southwest Eye Institute clinic, such as our Las Cruces location.

Surgery is scheduled after an evaluation and recommendation from your Southwest Eye Institute eye doctor. If you have not yet received a surgical recommendation, schedule an eye care appointment first. If your procedure is already scheduled and you have questions about your instructions, call Desert Peaks at (575) 288-4460.

Bring your photo ID, insurance cards, a current list of medications, any required payment information, and the paperwork or instructions provided by your surgical team. Pick up any prescribed eye drops before your surgery and bring them if instructed. Leave jewelry and other unnecessary valuables at home.

Your surgical team will provide a specific arrival time. Plan to remain at the center for several hours to allow time for check-in, preparation, the procedure, and postoperative monitoring. Surgery schedules can change based on patient-care needs, so your driver should remain available. You may also want to bring something quiet to help pass the time while waiting.

Yes. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery. Your vision may be temporarily blurry or sensitive to light, and medications used during the procedure may make driving unsafe. Follow any additional transportation or caregiver instructions provided by your surgical team.

Follow the instructions provided specifically for your procedure. Current Desert Peaks instructions require patients not to eat or drink anything, including water, coffee, gum, or mints, for six hours before surgery. Instructions for insulin, diabetes medications, and other prescription medications may differ. Call (575) 288-4460 before surgery if anything is unclear.

Wear a loose, comfortable shirt or blouse with short sleeves and a loose neckline. Do not wear makeup, jewelry, or fragrances. Shower or bathe before arriving, and do not smoke or use electronic cigarettes on the day of surgery. Follow any additional preparation instructions from your surgeon.

Coverage depends on your insurance plan, procedure, and individual benefits. Review the insurance plans accepted by Southwest Eye Institute, then contact your insurance company and the surgical team to confirm coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs before your procedure.

Desert Peaks has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. If you need an accommodation or assistance during your visit, contact the surgery center before your procedure or visit the Southwest Eye Institute Accessibility Office for additional support.

Follow the postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon. Contact your surgical care team immediately if you experience severe pain, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or a noticeable increase in redness. For a life-threatening emergency or severe trauma, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.