Preparing for LASIK
Preparing for Vision Correction Surgery
Have you opted to join the millions who have chosen laser vision correction in order to enjoy improved vision? Congratulations! Read on to learn how to prepare for your laser vision correction surgery.
Before your vision correction surgery:
Ask your doctor when you should stop wearing your contact lenses.
Certain types of contact lenses can distort the shape of your cornea, which could lead to incorrect measurements, and thus affect your vision correction outcome. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to be prepared to stop wearing them (or switch them out for your glasses) for anywhere from one day up to a couple of weeks prior to your LASIK vision correction.
- Do you wear hard contacts?
You will likely need to stop wearing them four to eight weeks prior to LASIK procedure. This varies by patient, please consult your surgeon. - Do you wear soft contacts?
You will only need to stop wearing them one day prior to your LASIK surgery, providing your Pentacam/Orbscan is normal.
Arrange for a ride.
On the day of your laser vision correction, you will need someone to drive you home from the procedure. Make sure you’ve enlisted a friend or family member to pick you up. Following your vision correction, you vision may be blurry, and you may still feel the effects of the medicine used during the LASIK procedure.
On the day of your laser vision correction surgery:
Do not wear eye makeup.
You should not wear eye makeup (or use eye creams) the night before or the day of your laser vision correction. You should also avoid using perfume or cologne.
Avoid shedding fabrics.
When choosing an outfit for your laser vision correction surgery, choose something that is comfortable, but does not shed, or have loose fibers or animal hair (real or faux).
Eat and drink as usual—with one exception.
There is no need to fast prior to laser vision correction. However, you should not drink alcohol or take medication which may cause drowsiness prior to your vision correction.
Leave yourself plenty of time.
While the actual laser vision correction surgery can take minutes, be sure you have arrived in plenty of time to complete any intake procedure, including filling out paperwork. Your LASIK provider will designate a time for you to report on the day of your laser vision correction.
If you follow these simple guidelines, you will be well prepared for your laser vision correction surgery. Remember to contact your LASIK provider with any questions or concerns leading up to your vision correction surgery.