LASIK eye surgery may be a safe and virtually painless procedure that can be completed in a matter of minutes, but it is still a surgical procedure that requires some preparation on the part of the patient. If you are planning to improve your vision through LASIK surgery at a clinic like Cornea Consultants of Nashville, here are some things that you can do to prepare for the procedure.
Stop Wearing Contact Lenses
Although glasses can be safely worn until your procedure, you will need to stop wearing contact lenses before your procedure. Contact lenses can distort the shape of your cornea, which in turn can lead to incorrect measurements and affect the outcome of your surgery. If you wear soft contact lenses, you will need to stop wearing them at least one week before your procedure. If you wear hard contacts, you can expect to stop wearing them four to eight weeks before your LASIK procedure. Contacts that are worn to correct astigmatism should be removed three weeks prior to your procedure. All of this will vary from one patient to the next, so speak to your surgeon to find out what will be best for you.
Arrange for Someone to Drive You to the Clinic
Even though LASIK isn’t a very invasive procedure and doesn’t require general anesthesia, you should still arrange for a ride to and from the clinic on the day of your surgery. It will take time for your eyes to heal after the procedure, and they will be itchy and sensitive to light immediately after the procedure. You won’t be able to drive safely, so have someone else take you home to rest your eyes.
Do Not Wear Eye Makeup or Shedding Fabrics
Do not wear any makeup around your eyes on the day of your surgery. Wash your face thoroughly the night before if you are wearing any makeup. The last thing you want is for some makeup to get into your eyes during the procedure.
While we’re on the subject, you also shouldn’t be wearing any shedding fabrics on the day of your surgery. You should dress comfortably, but you shouldn’t have anything that has any loose fibers. Fleeces and anything with real or faux fur is to be avoided.
Avoid Alcohol
For the most part, you can eat and drink as normal the day before your LASIK procedure, but there are some exceptions. The biggest of these is alcohol, as it can cause drowsiness during your procedure. Medication can and should be taken as directed unless your surgeon says otherwise, but you should avoid anything that can cause drowsiness.
As with any surgical procedure, you should listen to the advice of your LASIK surgeon. Even though the procedure is safe for most patients, it is still up to you to make sure that you are ready for the procedure. As long as you stay safe and listen to your surgeon, your LASIK operation should go smoothly.