Preparation for LASIK Eye Surgery

When you're ready to get serious about having LASIK performed on your eyes, use these tips to help you through the process, from examination to immediately after surgery:

Have a thorough exam: Your doctor will do a thorough examination of your eyes to determine the appropriateness for LASIK in your individual situation. Your doctor may use the new "wavefront" mapping system, which accurately details refractive errors in the patient's eye. This will allow your surgeon to develop a better game plan for your surgery. During the exam, all risks and complications should be detailed for you. You will also be informed as to what to expect before, during and after surgery. This is the time to get the answers to all your questions regarding the LASIK procedure.

Carefully review and sign informed consent: Do not sign the informed consent until you are positive that you understand all that is involved with having LASIK performed on your eyes. Make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and his answers to all your questions. LASIK is not a reversible procedure. It is very important that you sign the informed consent with full knowledge of what you can expect after surgery and into the future.

Discontinue use of contacts: Prior to the exam, it is recommended to discontinue wearing your contact lenses due to the way they tend to change the shape of your cornea during wear. For those with soft lenses, switch to glasses two weeks prior to the exam, for rigid gas permeable (RGP) you should allow three weeks, and a full month should be allowed between wearing hard contact lenses and having the surgical consult.

Stop using creams, lotions, etc.: For one to two weeks before surgery, your doctor will request that you stop using facial moisturizers or make-up. The reason for this is that residue left on the surface of your skin may make its way into your eyes after surgery, leaving the possibility of infections wide open. You may also be instructed to scrub your eyelashes thoroughly both prior to and after surgery to keep bacteria that can enter your eye far away from the newly resurfaced cornea. You will not be allowed to use lotions and make-up for approximately a week after surgery.

Arrange transportation and time off work: Because your eyesight will be especially hazy or blurry for the first day after LASIK, you will need someone to drive you home from the procedure. In addition, most patients are given a light sedative prior to the surgery, which would further impair driving abilities. You will probably need a few days to a week off work, depending on what your job description entails. You may see well enough to return after a few days, but those with jobs that are more active should wait longer to return to work in an effort to keep the eye from being injured while healing.

Proper preparation is crucial to a successful surgical outcome. By following the above recommendations, you can help ensure a safe and satisfying experience when you decide to undergo LASIK eye surgery.