Preparing for LASIK Surgery

Preparing for LASIK Surgery

Getting ready for any surgery is a tedious process and preparing for LASIK is no different. One must ensure that everything is ready and that you look good. While preparing for LASIK isn't as difficult as with some other surgeries, there are still a few things you need to take care of before you go in for LASIK.

If you are wearing contact lenses, take note. You must remove your contact lenses a few weeks before you have your LASIK consultation. The reason for this is because some contact lenses reshape your cornea themselves, hence causing problems with LASIK. Here are some FDA recommendations based on your contact lenses:

" Soft contact lenses should be removed and not worn for at least two weeks prior to your LASIK evaluation.

" Rigid gas permeable lenses should be removed and not worn for at least three weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.

" Hard lenses should be removed and not worn for at least four weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.

This is done so as to allow your cornea to regain its shape and size. Once you arrive for your consultation the LASIK surgeon will be able to take the true measurements of the shape and size of your cornea and design the procedure around your measurements.

When you meet the LASIK surgeon to talk about your upcoming surgery you should tell him a little bit about yourself. Tell him/her about any past or present medical conditions you suffer from. Also tell him of any medications you may be taking or are allergic to. It is very important that you inform your doctor about all of this so that he can decide if you're a good candidate for LASIK.

After you've shared your personal information with the doctor, he/she will then use this information to if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Ask him to explain to you the risks and benefits of the surgery as well as other alternatives. In other words he should tell you what to expect all the way, from beginning to end.

Don't use any perfume, cream, lotion or make-up the day before the surgery. This is to prevent any debris form getting into your eye. The LASIK surgeon may even ask you to scrub and wash out your eyes thoroughly before LASIK surgery to prevent any type of infection from occurring.

Lastly, it would be prudent that you arrange with a family member to be transported to and from the lasik center. Before the commencement of the LASIK surgery the doctor may order that you be given medicine to help you relax. Such medicine could impair your vision and reaction time, but it is nothing to be alarmed about. After LASIK surgery you may have impaired vision and may need a few days just to recover your eyesight, hence the need to have someone drive you to and from the lasik center.

By L Jimmy Roos

Preparing for LASIK Surgery