Embarking on your LASIK eye surgery journey is a transformative decision that gives you the hope of clear vision and freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Proper preparation can enhance the procedure’s success and ensure a seamless recovery. This guide provides detailed insights into how to prepare for LASIK eye surgery, covering both pre-surgery steps and essential precautions.
Pre-Surgery Prep for LASIK Eye Surgery
Choose the Right Eye Specialist
Selecting a qualified and experienced eye surgeon is the first step in your prep for LASIK eye surgery. A skilled and experienced eye specialist ensures you are in capable hands, reducing potential risks and maximising the likelihood of a successful outcome. When choosing a surgeon:
- Check Credentials: Verify their certifications, training, and specialisation in refractive surgery.
- Read Patient Reviews: Look for testimonials and success stories to gain insight into the surgeon’s expertise and patient care.
- Assess Clinic Facilities: Ensure the clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and maintains high hygiene and safety standards.
Stop Wearing Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can reshape the cornea temporarily, which can affect the accuracy of the measurements used to plan your LASIK procedure. To ensure the most precise results:
- Soft Contact Lenses: Discontinue use at least 1-2 weeks before surgery.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These require more time, often 3-4 weeks, for the cornea to return to its natural shape. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on the type of lenses you use. Following these instructions is essential for accurate pre-surgery measurements and optimal surgical outcomes.
Avoid Makeup and Perfume
On the day of surgery, it is essential to maintain a clean and sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection or complications. Avoid:
- Makeup: Residual particles can interfere with the surgical area.
- Lotion and Creams: These can leave an oily film on the skin, which may affect the sterility of the procedure.
- Perfume or Fragrance: These can irritate and potentially disrupt the surgical environment.
Your surgeon may also recommend avoiding eye makeup, such as mascara and eyeliner, for a few days leading up to the surgery to ensure the area around your eyes is free from debris or buildup.
Discuss Medical History with Your Doctor
Transparency with your doctor is vital for a safe and successful procedure. During your pre-surgery consultation, share detailed information about:
- Medical Conditions: Any chronic illnesses or eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, or autoimmune diseases.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as some may impact healing or the surgery itself.
- Allergies: Disclose any known allergies to medications or materials that could be used during the procedure.
Providing your surgeon with a complete picture of your health helps them tailor the surgery to your specific needs and reduces the risk of complications.
Also Read: Pros and Cons of LASIK Procedure
Personal and Home Preparations for LASIK Eye Surgery
Plan Skin and Hair Treatments in Advance
Personal care treatments should be scheduled well before your surgery to avoid any complications or disruptions during the recovery period:
- Facials: Schedule facials at least 3-4 days before surgery to allow the skin to recover from any irritation or redness caused by exfoliation or chemical treatments.
- Hair Treatments and Dyes: Hair treatments, such as colouring, keratin treatments, or deep conditioning, should also be done a few days before. This prevents the need for salon visits during recovery when you should avoid exposure to chemicals or water near your eyes.
- Waxing or Threading: For those who prefer facial waxing or eyebrow threading, complete these treatments a few days before surgery to avoid any discomfort or risk of accidental contact with the eyes post-procedure.
By planning these treatments in advance, you can maintain your grooming routine without compromising recovery.
Shampoo Before Surgery
Personal hygiene is an important consideration before LASIK surgery. It’s essential to wash your hair thoroughly the day before the procedure:
- Why It’s Important: After surgery, you must avoid getting water, shampoo, or other substances near your eyes for several days to minimise the risk of infection or irritation.
- Recommended Approach: Use a gentle shampoo and take extra care to ensure your scalp and hair are clean. This reduces the need to wash your hair during the early recovery period when your eyes are most sensitive.
Arrange Transportation and Home Help
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, and while it typically has a quick recovery time, planning ahead for transportation and home assistance can make the process more comfortable:
- Transportation:
- Arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver to drive you to and from the surgery centre. Your vision will likely be blurry or light-sensitive immediately after the procedure, making driving unsafe.
- If you are unable to arrange personal transportation, consider booking a ride-sharing service or a taxi in advance.
- Home Help:
- In the first 24-48 hours post-surgery, avoid activities that strain your eyes or require bending, lifting, or exposure to dust or water.
- Arrange for someone to help with household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or caring for children or pets, during the initial recovery period.
- Stock up on essentials like groceries, medications, and comfortable eye protection (such as sunglasses) ahead of time to reduce the need for errands after the procedure.
If you take these necessary precautions for LASIK eye surgery, you can expect a smoother recovery and healing.
3 Quick Tips for the Day of LASIK Surgery
- Eat a light, nutritious meal to keep your energy levels stable.
- Wear comfortable clothing, as the procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.
- Bring along sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light after the procedure.
Tips for Better Recovery
Certain precautions need to be taken even post-surgery. These are mentioned below:
Stay Well Hydrated
Staying hydrated improves overall healing and reduces the discomfort associated with temporary dry eyes—a common post-surgery symptom.
Take Time Off Work
While LASIK has a short recovery time, taking at least 1-2 days off from work ensures ample rest and healing for your eyes.
Learn Post-Surgery Do’s and Don’ts
Discuss post-surgery care with your surgeon. Understanding LASIK eye surgery precautions ensures a smooth recovery and optimal visual results.
Take the first step towards a life without glasses or contact lenses. Schedule an appointment at Planet Lasik
Frequently Asked Questions
Focus on staying hydrated, avoiding makeup, and following your surgeon’s instructions. Discontinue wearing contact lenses at least a week before the procedure.
Do: Rest well, stay hydrated, and eat light.
Don’t: Wear makeup or perfume, or skip any medical history details with your doctor.
Yes, but limit screen time to avoid straining your eyes during the early recovery.
Use prescribed lubricating eye drops as instructed by your surgeon. Avoid over-the-counter products unless approved.