Preparing for LASIK Surgery

As for each type of surgery a good preparation is needed for LASIK eye surgery. It is not difficult but there are some things you need to do.

It is essential that you stop wearing your contact lenses in the weeks leading up to your consultation before LASIK. As the surgery is dependent on the shape and measurement of your cornea you must let it regain its natural shape. Contact lenses can reshape the cornea themselves, causing problems with LASIK. The FDA recommends:

    • Soft contact lenses should be removed and not worn for at least two weeks prior to your LASIK evaluation.
    • Rigid gas permeable lenses should be removed and not worn for at least three weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.
    • Hard lenses should be removed and not worn for at least four weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.

On your consult with the doctor to discuss LASIK eye surgery you should let him know a few things about yourself. Let him know about any past or present medical and eye conditions as well as all medications you are taking or are allergic to. It is important that you disclose all of this to your doctor before deciding if LASIK is right for you.

After you’ve disclosed this personal information to the doctor, you should then discuss if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Let him explain to you the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the surgery as well as what you can expect from beginning to end.

You should also stop using any lotions, perfumes, or creams the day before the surgery as well as any makeup that may cause debris to get in the eye. The doctor may even request that you scrub and wash out your eyes for a good time before LASIK surgery to prevent the chance of any type of infection.

Finally, you should definitely arrange with a loved one for transportation to and from the LASIK surgery. Before LASIK surgery some doctors will arrange for you to take some medicine to help you relax that could impair your vision and reaction time. After LASIK surgery you may need a few days to recover your vision, hence the need to arrange for a drive home.