The idea of undergoing any surgical procedure can be unsettling, and even though you want to improve your vision, you might be wary of the idea of lasers cutting and shaping your eyes as is done with the LASIK procedure. That’s normal, and at Advanced Lasik, we understand.
The more you know about LASIK surgery, including what to expect and how to prepare, the easier you’ll find the entire process. You’ll receive specific details during your consultation with our ophthalmologist Dr. Randa Garrana. In the meantime, here are five simple ways to prepare for your LASIK procedure.
Though your eyes have a lens structure within them, it may be surprising to learn that your corneas refract — or bend and focus — about 70% of the light that enters your eyes. That’s why the cornea is the target of vision correction surgery, including LASIK.
The procedure starts with forming a flap in the cornea’s surface to allow for reshaping of corneal tissue below. This reshaping brings the focusing power of the cornea into a better match with the lens, so you attain improved image sharpness within the retina, which is the image-forming surface at the back of your eyes.
We replace the corneal flap at the end of the procedure, and then it’s simply a matter of getting through a short recovery period. You should have clear vision within about 24 hours, though small visual improvements may continue for several months after your procedure.
In general, it’s easy to prepare for laser eye surgery. Preparing for your LASIK procedure and recovery can help you calm your preoperative nerves. Consider these strategies:
If you regularly wear contacts, we’ll ask you to discontinue using them prior to your appointment. Contacts can reshape your corneas, throwing off the measurements we make ahead of your surgery.
We’ll also ask about medications you normally take. You may need to take a break from any medicines that can cause increased risk of surgical complications. Similarly, you’ll need to fully abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use both before and after your procedure.
Increasing your water intake in the week before your procedure helps you reduce your risk of developing temporary dry eye post-surgery, a common LASIK side effect.
Shower on the morning of your appointment and wash your face to reduce the risk of contamination and infection. Don’t use fragrances, makeup, or moisturizer on the day of your procedure, and dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
While LASIK surgery provides fast results, you may still have blurred vision the day of your procedure. Because of this and the sedation used during surgery, you won’t be able to drive.
LASIK is done as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll recover at home. Plan on a few days away from work, and arrange for distractions that don’t include the potential for eyestrain. Choose audio books, music, and podcasts over reading and television.
Ready to learn more about LASIK vision correction? We’re here to help. Call or click online to schedule a LASIK eligibility evaluation with Dr. Garrana at your nearest Advanced Lasik office in the Midtown East section of New York City, or Long Beach, California, today.
