5 Things to Do Before and After LASIK Eye Surgery
When considering LASIK surgery, there are some necessary to-dos to prepare for the procedure and ensure a successful recovery. At Will Vision and Laser Centers in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Brian Will consults with his patients to provide valuable information for the best LASIK experience, which includes proper preparation and after-surgery care.
Here is a simple list to follow for seeing things clearly after completing your vision correction.
1. Stop Wearing Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, stop before your exam, and wear your glasses full-time. Contact lenses may change the cornea contours for several weeks once you stop wearing them. In addition, if your corneas don’t assume their natural shape before your eye exam, the measurements could be inaccurate, risking the operation’s success.
Soft contact lens wearers should switch to glasses for at least a week before their eye exam. If you wear hard or rigid gas-permeable lenses, stop wearing them at least a month before your baseline eye exam.
2. Avoid Wearing Fragrances
On the day before LASIK surgery, don’t wear lotions, creams, makeup, or perfume. These products could affect the laser and increase the risk of infection. In addition, we may ask you to thoroughly scrub your eyelashes before surgery to remove any debris or residue.
3. Arrange for Transportation Home After Surgery
Before surgery, arrange transportation to and from the surgery center. Immediately following the procedure, your vision will be blurry. It is crucial to keep your eyes closed to help the healing process. In addition, Dr. Will may administer an anesthetic that will impair your driving ability. Make sure a responsible adult is available to take you home and ensure you are comfortable.
4. Wear Protective Eyewear
Will Vision will provide an eye shield to wear for sleep to protect your eyes after LASIK surgery. Wear this shield when you sleep until after recovery.
Dr. Will also advises you to wear UV protective polarized sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful sunlight. Additionally, you should wear protective eyewear while participating in any contact sport or activity that could result in facial or eye trauma.
5. Avoid Strenuous Activities
Get plenty of rest after your LASIK surgery and avoid strenuous activity. You can restart simple exercises like walking or jogging after a few days, but consult Dr. Will beforehand.
Don’t do any heavy lifting for at least two weeks after LASIK. After that, Dr. Will will advise you on the best time to increase intensity.
Consult With a Professional
Quality eye health involves more than understanding an eye test. Instead, it occurs when a board-certified ophthalmologist applies time-tested protocols tailored for every patient through an understanding of their specific needs.
To get corrected vision safely and effectively, now and for the future, contact Will Vision and Laser Centers to schedule a consultation today.