Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in LASIK
Preparing for surgery can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. The same is true, even with a procedure like LASIK, which has great results.
LASIK has an incredible success rate of over 97% with patients who had it, but it’s still important to prepare. Not sure how to prepare? Keep reading for 4 tips to follow to prepare before you have LASIK!
1. Make Sure You Are a Candidate
Before you do anything, you will need to make certain that you are eligible for LASIK. As amazing as LASIK is, it’s still a surgical procedure.
That means that not everyone is a good candidate for it. Part of what makes LASIK so safe is the enforced regulations on who can and cannot receive the surgery.
Certain factors like age, pregnancy, and health can have a great effect on your LASIK outcome. A candidacy screening can take a few hours to complete.
It sounds long but your eye doctor will test all aspects of your vision. They will also gather information on your health history. If you have any questions about LASIK, this is the time to ask them!
2. Have A Ride Figured Out
After LASIK, you will not be able to drive for at least a day. Many people experience better vision immediately after LASIK, but not all.
It’s normal to also experience hazy or cloudy vision while your eyes adjust. In fact, it can take several months before your eyes reach their peak.
Sorting out your ride situation ahead of time is a good idea. If you can, find a friend or family member who is willing to drive you and wait and then drive you home.
Can’t find anyone? You can always schedule a taxi or a ridesharing service like Lyft or Uber to come and pick you up.
3. Do Not Wear Contacts
It is important for doctors to get an accurate reading on the shape of your corneas before LASIK. Contact lenses affect the curvature of your corneas, as the natural tissue is flexible.
How long you need to switch to glasses for depends on the kind of contacts you use. Hard contacts have a stronger effect on your corneas.
You will need to avoid wearing them for about a month before surgery. If you wear soft contact lenses, you’ll only need to stop wearing them for a week before LASIK. Over time, your corneas will return to their natural shape.
4. Avoid Makeup, Lotion, and Perfumes
As you get closer to the surgery date, you will need to think about what is on your face. After LASIK, your eyes will be in a much more vulnerable state for some time.
Flecks of makeup or residue from lotion can make their way into your eyes. If this were to happen, it could cause dangerous irritation or infections.
You will be able to resume much of your normal makeup routine shortly into the recovery process. Make sure to wait until your doctor gives you the okay.
There are many more steps to take before you will be in good shape to undergo LASIK, but you won’t have to go it alone! Our staff is here and dedicated to making LASIK as easy and safe for you as possible.
Ready to find out if LASIK could be in your future in 2020? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ now! Why wait any longer, when visual freedom could be right around the corner?
