LASIK: Preparing for Surgery
LASIK is one of the most popular laser vision correction surgeries in the industry. This quick and effective outpatient procedure is associated with a low rate of complications, especially when a skilled surgeon performs the surgery. However, as with any medical procedure, patients should thoroughly research the procedure before making the decision to undergo treatment. In this blog post, the Wilmington laser vision correction surgeons of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PA, outline some of the pre-operative instructions that patients should follow before undergoing LASIK surgery. These guidelines and tips will make your LASIK experience as safe and painless as possible.
Weeks Prior to Surgery
If you currently use contact lenses, you should stop use several weeks before the procedure. Contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea, so eyeglasses should be your only form of corrective-wear worn prior to surgery. Each type of contact lens affects the eye differently and patients should discontinue use accordingly:
- Soft Contact Lens users: 2 weeks prior to procedure
- Toric Soft Lens/RPG users: 3 weeks prior to procedure
- Hard Contact Lens users: 4 weeks prior to procedure
During your consultation be sure to inform your physician of all the medications you are currently using, and provide a thorough personal medical history. The more information you can give, the more successful your procedure can be.
Days Prior to Surgery
Once you have set a date for your surgery be sure to discontinue the use of the following the day before and day of your surgery:
- Make-up (especially eye make-up)
- Lotions/creams
- Perfumes/spray deodorants
Having a clean and dry face is imperative to help prevent any post surgical infections. Any sort of unnatural matter on your face can easily enter the eye and interfere with a successful surgery.
Day of Surgery
The day of your surgery you must be sure to have a driver to get you to and from the facility. The actual procedure will be completed in 10 minutes or less, though you will be at our office for a total of an hour or two. Your vision may be slightly impaired for a few hours after the surgery.
Post Surgery
After surgery, we provide our Wilmington LASIK patients with protective eyewear that should be worn for several days post surgery. Your eyes may itch, water, and look bloodshot, but no matter the symptom, you should avoid all contact with your eyes. Rubbing and making any contact with your eye could complicate the healing process and ultimately lead to another corrective procedure. Your eyes may be very sensitive to light following the procedure, but should adjust a few days after surgery. You should follow up with your physician within 48 hours of surgery and continue to follow up bi-annually to ensure your eyes have healed properly. If you experience any intense pain, or your eyesight has worsened since surgery, contact your physician immediately.
We hope that this information is helpful as you prepare for your LASIK procedure. If you have any further questions, please contact our Wilmington office for more information.