Preparing for LASIK: Getting Ready for Vision Correction Surgery

LASIK can do wonders for your vision, and it’s a fairly simple process that has the potential to yield incredible results.

If you’re planning to have this surgery, preparing for LASIK can help ensure that the whole process goes smoothly.

Read on to learn about some ways you can plan and prepare ahead of time for a pleasant vision correction surgery experience.

Practice Healthy Eye Care Habits

The best thing you can do before any form of eye surgery is to take good care of your eyes. This means practicing good, sensible habits that will ensure your eyes remain healthy for years to come.

Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking which can impair your vision. Smoking causes a myriad of dangerous health issues, including eye disease.

Find out more about your family’s eye health history so you can know any potential diseases or other issues later in life.

If you work in a manufacturing or construction environment, always wear protective eye gear. Injuries and damage to the eye can make LASIK more difficult and could even remove your status of being a LASIK vision correction surgery candidate.

When outside in sunlight, wear sunglasses regularly to keep your eyes protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you work on a computer or spend a lot of time looking at a screen, give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes to reduce eyestrain.

If you wear contact lenses, practice good hygiene by washing your hands any time you remove them or put them in. Clean the contacts regularly and throw out disposable contact lenses as directed.

If you have dry eye, use some high-quality eyedrops. You may also talk to your eye doctor about getting prescription eyedrops if the condition is severe. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables so your body and your eyes get the nutrients they need.

With these simple habits, you can preserve the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. Whether you’re planning to have LASIK or another procedure, proper eye care is just common sense.

Stop Wearing Contact Lenses

Your eye doctor will perform a baseline evaluation that will help them determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. In order to do this, they will need to be able to clearly see the natural shape and condition of your eyes.

When you’re preparing for LASIK, you should stop wearing contact lenses and switch to your glasses. When you wear contacts, it can change the shape of your cornea and this change can last several weeks, even after you stop wearing them.

If your cornea cannot return to its natural shape, it can have a negative effect on your surgery results including inaccurate measurements taken by your eye doctor. Those measurements are extremely important as they determine how much tissue should be removed and other factors.

If you wear soft contact lenses, stop wearing them for at least two weeks before your initial LASIK evaluation. For those who wear toric soft lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses, remove them for at least three weeks beforehand.

Hard lens wearers should stop wearing them for at least four full weeks before the evaluation. When you remove your lenses, it allows time for the eyes to return to their natural shape for best results during surgery.

Some eye doctors may have a specific preference as to when they want you to remove your contact lenses before surgery. Find out if you need to remove yours for a longer period of time, or if you can leave them in for a bit longer before the day of LASIK.

If you don’t have a backup pair of glasses, consult with your eye doctor so they can help you come up with a temporary solution while you wait for your procedure.

Preparing for LASIK: Talk to Your Doctor

Before the surgery, talk to your doctor about any past or present eye conditions and other medical conditions you may have. You should also let them know about any medications you’re currently taking.

Inform the doctor of any medication you are allergic to. The eye doctor will determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK, and they will go over the various risks and benefits with you.

They’ll also inform you of what you can expect before, during, and after the vision correction surgery. You will get a list of what your responsibilities are before and afterward, too.

As with any type of surgery, it’s important to be open and honest with your doctor and go over your concerns. They will tell you about the risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have so you’ll be confident on the day of your procedure.

If you have a lot of questions, prepare a list of them well before your surgery date. Send them to your eye doctor so they can answer them appropriately and well before the day arrives.

If you’re concerned about going back to work, ask how long it will take before you can resume your normal schedule. Some patients can return to work the following day, while others may need to wait a few days.

The Day Before Your Surgery

On the day before your LASIK procedure, stop using any creams, lotions, makeup, or perfume. These items can increase the risk of infection since small debris could potentially get into your eyes.

The eye doctor may also scrub your eyelashes before surgery to help you get rid of any excess residue.

You should also arrange for some kind of transportation from the surgery location. You will not be able to drive safely after LASIK, so reliable transportation is needed.

Ask a friend or family member if they can give you a ride home following the procedure. If you don’t have anyone who can drive you, your eye doctor may be able to make arrangements for you. Just be sure to let them know if transportation will be an issue ahead of time.

Your vision will probably be blurry for a while after LASIK. This makes it dangerous to drive, so getting a reliable ride is extremely important for safety reasons.

Other Pre-LASIK Tips

Do not wear any clothing that could shed, or else you may end up with fibers or animal hair in your eyes. Wear cotton clothing for the least risk of shedding and to keep your eyes clean.

Any small bits of grime, debris, or dirt that get in your eyes can make it more difficult to perform the surgery. It may also cause serious damage to your eyes if anything is present while you’re being treated with a laser.

You can eat and drink normally before LASIK, but avoid drinking alcohol or taking any medication that could make you feel drowsy. Try to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water for several days leading up to the procedure.

Most LASIK procedures take around 30 minutes, but it could go longer depending on the circumstances. Make sure you arrive at the office with plenty of time to fill out paperwork and to undergo the intake procedure.

Remember to try and relax and get a good night of sleep before your vision correction surgery. Feeling fully rested will help you feel confident and happy on the day of your LASIK. On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable clothing made of a breathable material like cotton.

Proper Planning is Key

If you’re ready to ditch your eyeglasses or annoying contact lenses, LASIK is an excellent solution that can help you achieve clearer vision.

Remember to talk to your eye doctor and ask any questions you have ahead of time so you can be fully prepared. Find a reliable source of transportation for your surgery, and avoid wearing makeup or clothing that sheds to keep your eyes protected.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation, and be sure to visit our website for all the latest news, tips and more about LASIK and other helpful information.