As with any surgical procedure, the most important step in your LASIK surgery preparation is choosing the right physician. LASIK eye corrective surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures available, but it's only as good as the physician performing the process. With thousands of clinics and varying degrees of expertise and experience, it is important that you do your research and ask the right questions.
Your LASIK Consultation
Once you have made an educated doctor selection, it's time to discuss the benefits and risks of
LASIK surgery. Your physician will first execute a painless and comprehensive eye exam to determine whether or not you are a good candidate, and what specific eye disorders you suffer from. In rare cases, certain eye conditions may exclude a person from being able to undergo the LASIK procedure.
If you pass the examination and are determined to be a good candidate for LASIK, you will be provided with a treatment plan. This will include details about how the procedure works, what to expect during the surgery and the costs involved. It is important that you use this time with your doctor to ask and voice all of your questions and concerns. If you decide to move ahead, you will also be informed of the pre- and post-surgical requirements and specific preparations unique to your LASIK process.
Weeks Prior to Surgery
When preparing for LASIK surgery, contact lens wearers will be asked to go without their lenses for approximately two to four weeks prior to the procedure. The duration is dependant upon your condition and what type of contact lenses you wear. Following these instructions is important because the success of LASIK is determined by accurately measuring the shape and curvature of your cornea. Consistent usage of contact lenses can alter this reading. However, this is not the case with glasses.
Day Before Surgery
The day before your surgery, make sure to organize your ride to and from the hospital, as it's imperative you not intend to do this yourself. You will also be required to thoroughly clean or wash your eyes and face to prevent any chance of infection. Make sure there is no residual lotion, perfume or makeup remaining on your skin that might accidentally find its way into the eye.
Day of Your Surgery
On the actual day of your LASIK treatment, you should eat a light meal prior to leaving for your doctor's office. This is purely for comfort, as it might be a few hours before you will have the opportunity to eat again. You will also need to make sure that your face is clean and easily accessible. This means removing any objects, including your hair, from the reach of your eyes and face.
Preparing for LASIK corrective eye surgery does not require a lot of effort, and the expected benefits are exciting and substantial. If you have any further questions regarding the preparation process, you should always feel free ask your
LASIK surgeon.