LASIK eye surgery is a common procedure, but it is still a big deal. It is understandable if you are feeling anxious or unsure about this corrective procedure, especially if you haven’t properly prepared. That is why our friendly eye surgeon in Orange County wants to help patients feel less nervous about the wonderful benefits they are about to experience from their LASIK eye surgery. Below, we have listed our top 10 tips to prepare for your LASIK procedure and beyond!
10 Tips to Prepare for Your LASIK Procedure
Phone a Friend
The first step you need to take when planning a surgery date is to ensure that you have a helpful friend or family member to take care of you on the big day. A mild sedate will likely be administered and it will make you groggy, and your vision will also be blurry, so you will not be able to drive. Make sure you’ve secured a ride first!
Check In With Your Doctor
Make sure you have had a full consultation with your doctor and that you have discussed your medical history in detail before going into the procedure. Make sure not to omit any important information that your doctor may want to know about before you have LASIK eye surgery done.
Drink Lots of Water
It’s important for you to stay hydrated before any type of procedure, especially before a procedure involving your eyes. The lasers used in LASIK technology can cause your eyes to dry out, which would make it more difficult for the procedure to be successful. Drink water to stay hydrated and prevent dry eye feelings after the fact.
But Don’t Drink Alcohol
This may go without saying, but it’s important that you avoid all alcohol at least 2 days before your procedure, as alcohol can severely complicate your body’s ability to heal. It can also prolong your recovery time and produce additional risks that weren’t initially part of the diagnosis.
And Don’t Drink Coffee, Either!
Caffeine can cause a variety of symptoms, such as anxiety and dehydration, but it also gives you the jitters. It’s imperative that you remain calm and relaxed during the procedure, and coffee can cause you to be too jumpy for the procedure to be effective. If you can, try to stop drinking coffee on the day of the procedure and save it for the day after.
Make Some Mental Preparations
LASIK eye surgery requires you to be awake throughout the procedure. Although it does not cause pain, it may be a little bit of an uncomfortable experience. Your eye doctor will give you a sedative to help calm your nerves and your senses, but you still need to be paying some attention during that time. You will be able to witness the changes happening, which a lot of patients are excited about.
Remove Contacts and Glasses
Your doctor may ask you not to wear contact lenses a day or two before you get your LASIK procedure. That way, your cornea will have time and space to retain its new shape, giving you improved vision. Not to mention, contact lenses can contain bacteria which can be very harmful during surgery.
Get Rid of Makeup and Perfume Too
If you like to wear perfume, cologne, or other beauty products, you should not wear that before your procedure either. Different scents and fragrances can cause problems with the hygienic quality of the air and the room. Though the surgery only takes place around your eyes, it is important for your whole body to be free of products or scents.
Know the Post-Surgery Process
You may be given an eye mask or special sunglasses to wear following your LASIK procedure. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and stay away from the sun to ensure the results of your surgery remain complete. If you have any questions about how recovery will look, be sure to get in touch with your doctor right away.
Ask About Personalized Treatments
While LASIK eye surgery is not new, advancements continue to be made that allow us to provide more powerful corrections to your eyes. Advanced Eye Medical is proud to offer iDesign personalized LASIK treatment using the iDesign Refractive Studio to personalize many more aspects of your LASIK procedure than ever before.
Get in touch with our expert staff today to learn more about advanced LASIK treatments that are designed to keep your eyes healthier for longer periods of time.