Preparation for LASIK - What to Do Before Surgery

When it comes to surgery, laser eye surgery is fairly a minor one. But no matter how quick and easy the surgery is, it still requires you to do a little preparation beforehand. The time you spend prior getting ready for the procedure will help ensure the fastest and most straightforward recovery.

If you normally wear contact lenses, you’ll need to take a break before your preoperative exam and surgery. Contact lenses cause the front of the eye’s surface to distort. By swapping contact lenses for glasses, you’ll give your eyes a chance to return to their natural shape. This will allow your doctor to take accurate corneal measurements which are needed for your LASIK calculations.

If you wear soft lenses, the break is usually between 5 and 7 days. If your contact lenses are used to correct an astigmatism, you will need to stop wearing them 10 to 14 days before your examination and surgery. Your doctor will be able to give you more information during your initial appointment.

Everyone who has LASIK eye surgery will need someone to drive them home and provide some basic care during the next few hours after surgery. Ask a reliable person to drive you home and stay with you for the first night after surgery. You shouldn’t rely on your vision soon after surgery so you may need help with basic personal tasks like preparing a meal or moving around the house safely. You will need to go home to sleep straight after surgery; so if you have children, you’ll need someone who can take care of them while you’re getting rest.

Most surgeries require the patient to spend some time preparing themselves mentally. LASIK eye surgery is no different. In fact, some people say LASIK requires more mental prep because you’re awake during surgery. You will have a mild sedative to help you relax but you need to be awake and attentive during the surgery. Being awake during surgery is nothing to worry about, most people find it very interesting.

If you have questions you would like answered leading up to the date of the procedure, contact the clinic and read through the information we provide.

The beauty of LASIK eye surgery is it involves relatively short recovery time. While the different types of surgery have different recovery times, most people can return to work within a few days. LASIK eye surgery has a mid-length recovery time. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) has the longest recovery period, while SmartSight has the shortest recovery. Before surgery, ask your doctor for a letter to inform your employer how long you expect to be away following surgery.

All parts of our body rely on water to function properly. Your eyes are no exception. Drinking water helps keep your eyes hydrated daily but moisture is especially important after laser eye surgery. Dry eyes is one of the worst symptoms but being well-hydrated before and after surgery can help reduce the severity. Try avoiding alcohol or caffeine within the day or two before surgery. Both coffee and alcohol are diuretics so they contribute to the body removing fluids from your blood and renal system.

It might be easier said than done, but try not to be too nervous on the day of your surgery. Millions of people undergo LASIK eye surgery around the world every year and complications are very rare. Remember, LASIK surgery only takes around 15 minutes so it will be over before you know it. Instead of worrying, try thinking about how much you will enjoy living without glasses and contacts after the surgery.

Try deep breathing exercises. If you haven’t tried this type of exercise before, give it a go in the weeks before surgery. Deep breathing helps you breathe at a slow and steady rate and helps keep stress and anxiety levels in check.

• Breathe in deeply for five seconds
• Hold your breath for five seconds
• Breathe out for five seconds
• Repeat as often as you need

Don’t wear makeup and perfumes on any part of your body. Makeup and fragrances can interfere with the delicate laser equipment and air quality. Staying free of these products ensures the equipment and environment is at its optimal state.

When you come home from surgery, you’ll need to head to bed. Closing your eyes will kick-start the recovery process. If you aren’t used to sleeping during the day, try to make your bedroom as enticing as you can before you leave for surgery. Make sure there are no trip hazards around the house.

Your post-surgery instructions will guide you through everything you need to know. Read the information through before you have the surgery so it’s fresh in your mind.

It’s normal to feel a little nervous before surgery; after all, it’s life changing and brings positive results for the majority of people. Be sure to reach out for help from the clinic at any time if you need help during your preparation time. You can contact us online or give us a call on (08) 9381 0758 to speak with one of our clinical coordinators.