Deciding to undergo LASIK is an exciting step toward clearer eyesight and greater visual freedom, but you may be wondering what comes next.
Proper LASIK preparation helps ensure accurate measurements, reduces the risk of complications, and sets you up for the best possible outcome. From your initial consultation to the day of surgery, each step in the preparation process plays a vital role in your success.
Keep reading to learn more about how you should prepare for LASIK!
Preparing for Your LASIK Consultation
Your initial consultation is where your eye doctor will determine whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK. This appointment involves several tests and measurements, so coming prepared helps the process go smoothly.
Bring a complete list of all medications you’re currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and any supplements. You should also be ready to discuss your full medical history, including any eye conditions you’ve had in the past, previous eye surgeries, and general health conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases.
During the consultation, your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye examination. This includes measuring your corneal thickness and mapping the surface of your cornea using specialized technology.
Your eye surgeon will check for conditions that might rule out LASIK candidacy, such as severe dry eye, keratoconus, or corneal scarring. They will also measure your refractive errors to determine whether they fall within the range that LASIK can effectively treat.
This is also your opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, costs, and what results you can realistically expect. A good LASIK surgeon will discuss both the benefits and potential risks, helping you make an informed decision about whether LASIK is right for you.
Special Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers
If you wear contact lenses, LASIK preparation actually begins weeks before your surgery date. You’ll need to stop wearing them well before your consultation and again before surgery. This is because contact lenses temporarily change the shape of your cornea, and your cornea needs to return to its natural shape for accurate measurements.
The type of contact lenses you wear determines how long you need to go without them. Soft contact lens wearers typically need to stop wearing them for two weeks before their initial evaluation. Toric soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses require at least three weeks without wear, while hard lenses require at least four weeks.
This timeline applies both before your consultation and again before your actual surgery if additional measurements are needed. While switching to glasses full-time for a few weeks may feel inconvenient, this step is necessary for achieving the clear vision you’re seeking.
The Days Before Your Surgery
Once your surgery is scheduled, you’ll receive specific instructions about the days leading up to your procedure. Following these guidelines carefully helps reduce the risk of infection and ensures your eyes are in optimal condition for surgery.
Starting the day before your surgery, you’ll need to stop using several products around your eyes and face. This includes creams, lotions, makeup, and perfumes. These products can leave residue along your eyelashes and around your eyes, which increases the risk of infection during and after surgery.
Transportation is another important consideration. On the day of surgery, you cannot drive yourself home, so arrange for someone to bring you to your appointment and take you home afterward. You’ll also need a ride to your first follow-up appointment the next day.
Setting Yourself Up for Recovery Success
Taking steps before surgery to set up your recovery space makes the first few days go by more smoothly. Ensure you have a comfortable place to rest, any necessary prescription medications, including eye drops, and easy access to food and water.
Many patients like to prepare food ahead of time or order delivery to allow them more time to relax. You can also download podcasts, audiobooks, or music to make your recovery process more fun while still giving your eyes the rest they need.
If you’re ready to enjoy independence from glasses and contacts, schedule your LASIK consultation at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL, today to learn whether you’re a good candidate and begin your journey to clearer vision!
