LASIK eye surgery is a laser procedure for correcting refractive errors, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Refractive errors occur when the shape of your eye does not bend light correctly, causing you to have blurred vision.
If you’ve been having any of the vision problems mentioned above and finally contemplating a LASIK eye surgery, you may be wondering what to expect at your appointment and how to prepare for it.
As with any surgical procedure, preparation is an essential component of LASIK eye surgery. Here are the things that you need to include in your to-do list to gear up for the procedure:
Going for Baseline Evaluation
Before you can proceed with the surgery itself, you first need to see an eye doctor for an evaluation to determine whether you’re a good candidate.
A rule of thumb when going for a baseline evaluation is not to wear contact lenses prior to your appointment. Contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea—the clear part of your eye that helps focus light and allows you to see clearly. Wearing contact lenses too close to your appointment schedule can result in inaccurate measurements and a poor surgical plan.
The measurements help your eye doctor determine how much corneal tissue needs to be removed. Your eye doctor needs to repeat these measurements at least a week after your initial evaluation and before your surgery to ensure that no changes have occurred, especially if you’re wearing hard lenses.
Consider these guidelines if you’re wearing contact lenses:
- If you’re using soft lenses, you need to stop wearing them two weeks prior to your initial evaluation.
- If you’re wearing toric soft lenses (designed for people with astigmatism), you have to stop wearing them for at least three weeks prior to your initial evaluation.
- If you’re wearing hard lenses, avoid using them for at least four weeks prior to your scheduled initial evaluation.
Apart from determining whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure, your eye doctor will likely discuss with you the following during your initial evaluation:
- The risks, benefits, and alternatives of LASIK eye surgery
- What you’re supposed to expect before, during, and after the procedure
- Postoperative care instructions (to prevent complications and to ensure successful recovery)
Once your eye doctor confirms that you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery, you should take the opportunity to ask as many questions as you can about the procedure. Take the time to raise all of your concerns and weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision and signing the consent form.
Making Transportation Arrangements
During your appointment, your eye doctor will give you medication to help you remain calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. The medication can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive. For your safety, have a friend or a family member drive you home after the procedure.
Things You Can’t Use Before Your Surgery
Within 24 hours prior to your LASIK eye surgery, your doctor may ask you to stop using the following products, as they may put you at risk of infection:
- Creams/ moisturizers
- Facial toners
- Makeup
- Serums
- Sunscreens
If you’re wearing false eyelashes, your doctor will likely tell you to scrub them off for a specified period of time before your surgery to make sure there are no residues along your lash line.
LASIK Eye Surgery in Washington, MO
Do you want to restore your vision without having to rely on contacts or eyeglasses? Schedule an appointment with any of our eye doctors at Advanced Sight Center.
Our board-certified eye doctors have the expertise and experience in delivering a range of high-quality eye care services and innovative treatments, including LASIK surgery. For your added convenience, we have an ambulatory surgical center, so you never have to drive around town for your eye care needs.
For more information or to arrange a consultation, call us at (636) 239-1650 (Washington) or (314) 878-1650 (Creve Coeur). You may also use our convenient online appointment request form.
