For people who don’t want to continue wearing glasses or lenses, LASIK surgery is the right option to consider. If you go ahead with LASIK surgery, then it’s important to stay prepared by understanding the process. This will help you give yourself a better chance at success. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide and how you can prepare for it.
Step 1) Schedule an Appointment
- Your first step would be to book an appointment with an experienced ophthalmologist. It’s going to be a detailed examination to find out if you’re eligible for LASIK surgery. The doctor will then measure your prescription,corneal thickness, and rule out conditions like dry eyes or corneal diseases. If your prescription has recently changed, then the doctor will request you to delay your surgery since LASIK surgery works best if your prescription is stable for a period of one year at least. Select hospitals such as Dr. Agarwals that offer neat and clean instructions so that your procedure is smooth.
Step 2) Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses in Advance
- Contact lenses will alter the shape of your cornea, so this could impact your LASIK measurements. Most physicians advise you to go back on glasses for some weeks or days prior to surgery. The time varies depending on whether you use soft or hard contact lenses. This may sound like a hassle, but this will allow you to have the best outcomes.
Step 3) Discuss Medical History
- You need to tell your doctor what drugs you are already taking and what ailments you have, such as diabetes, drug allergies, or any autoimmune disorders. There may be drugs that will interact with your healing process, so it is better that your doctor knows all about them. If your eyes are dry, then your doctor may prescribe you eye drops prior to the surgery for easy recovery.
Step 4) Arrange for Transportation and Time Off
- Even though the procedure doesn’t take too long, your vision is going to be impaired for a while. Your vision is going to be blurry and light sensitive for multiple hours, so you should ask your friends or family members to accompany you and help take care of you after. If you’re working, you should take a day or two off from work to rest your eyes. Most people get results after a day or two, but again, it differs from patient to patient.
Step 5) Take Pre-Surgery Instructions Seriously
Your doctor will recommend a couple of pre-surgery instructions that you must take very seriously to ensure a successful surgery. Some of these instructions may be to apply antibiotic eyedrops or to stay away from caffeine; whatever they are, you must heed them accordingly.
Preparing for LASIK surgery is all about making small adjustments so your procedure runs as smoothly as it can. When you follow your doctor’s orders, you’re setting yourself up for a successful recovery and clear vision for the rest of your life. It’s normal to feel nervous before the surgery, but rest assured that LASIK surgery is the most common and safe eye procedure that exists out there. Talk to you doctor about your questions, fear, and procedure to prepare yourself mentally, too.
