Pre-Op Care For LASIK Surgery

Improving your vision through LASIK surgery will give you a new outlook on life. Enjoying clearer, sharper vision will improve the quality of your life and make every day easier and more enjoyable. LASIK is a safe procedure with lasting results and like any other surgical procedure, there are some pre-operative protocols you should follow closely to ensure your surgery is a success.

When determining if LASIK is right for you, the first thing to do is to stop wearing your contact lenses before you visit the doctor for a baseline evaluation. Stop wearing your contacts several weeks before your appointment because contact lenses change the shape of the cornea and it will take some time before your cornea returns to its normal shape. If your cornea has not had enough time to resume its natural shape, inaccurate measurements and a surgical plan based on your misshapen cornea can skew your results and leave you with less than stellar surgical results.

Depending on the type of contacts you wear, the amount of time needed between your baseline exam and your last use of contacts varies. If you wear soft contact lenses, you should stop wearing them at least two weeks before your initial consultation. For rigid gas permeable lens and toric soft lens wearers, a minimum of three weeks of rest should be allowed before your baseline exam. Hard lens wearers should refrain from using their lenses for at least four weeks before their initial evaluation. These outlined timeframes will give your cornea the chance to revert to its natural shape allowing your LASIK surgeon to get accurate measurements and create the best surgical plan possible.

In addition to cessation of wearing contact lenses, there are other things you can do to prepare yourself for LASIK. On the day before your surgery, refrain from using any lotions, creams, makeup, or perfumes. These items can increase the likelihood of infections during and after surgery and should be completely avoided before your procedure. Additionally, it is a good idea to thoroughly cleanse your eyelashes regularly in the week leading up to your surgery to get rid of residue and debris commonly found on the lashes and lash line.

Before your procedure, be sure to arrange for transportation to and from your surgery and to your first in-office follow up visit after the procedure. On the day of the surgery, you will likely be given medication that will impede your ability to drive and your vision is likely to be blurred.

LASIK surgery is an effective and safe way to restore your vision and following these before-procedure tips will help you get the best results possible. For more information and to find out if the surgery is right for you, visit Dr. Goosey, one of the most qualified LASIK doctors Houston offers and get answers and information so you can make an informed decision on restoring your eyesight. Seeing the world clearly will improve your quality of life and LASIK may be the answer to all of your vision problems. Call us today and schedule your free LASIK consultation.

2017-02-03T12:20:01-06:00October 14th, 2014|Eye News|