You’ve scheduled your LASIK surgery, and the day of the surgery is fast approaching. You’re ready for the life-changing upgrade to your vision. But what should you do before your LASIK surgery?
Let’s discuss how to prepare for LASIK surgery, starting from steps that need to be taken right after your initial consultation all the way up to the day of your procedure.
Stop Wearing Contacts Before LASIK Surgery
If you wear contacts, you will need to stop wearing them far in advance before your surgery. For soft lenses, you need to stop using them for five to seven days leading up to your pre-operative exam and surgery.
If you wear toric lenses, you will have to be out of them for ten to 14 days. For gas permeable lenses, you’ll likely need to stop wearing them for a minimum of six weeks before your procedure.
Why Do You Have to Stop Wearing Contacts Before LASIK?
You have to stop wearing your contact lenses so far in advance of your surgery because it allows your cornea to go back to its most natural shape.
Avoid Drinking Caffeine
During your procedure, you will technically be awake and need to stay relaxed and calm throughout your surgery. Caffeine makes you jittery and may impair your ability to relax and be still for the length that you need to. Caffeine also dehydrates you, which can trigger dryness in your eyes.
Drink More Water Before LASIK Surgery
Water is critical in the functioning of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. LASIK can temporarily make your eyes more susceptible to dryness, so it’s vital to stay hydrated from the inside out. For the best hydration, it’s recommended to drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water daily.
Avoid Makeup or Beauty Products
Makeup can interfere with the medications and lasers that are used during your surgery, so it’s essential that you don’t wear any makeup for three days prior to surgery, as well as on your surgery day.
This goes for scented products, like perfume, fragrances, and lotions, as well. The surgery space is tightly regulated by systems that control temperature, humidity, and purity, and scented products can interfere with the laser’s optics.
Read more: When Can You Wear Eye Makeup After LASIK?
Bring a Driver
After your surgery, you’ll be groggy from sedatives, and your vision will be blurry, making it unsafe for you to drive. That’s why it’s so crucial to bring a driver with you to take you home.
Use Eye Drops for LASIK
Before your surgery, you may be asked to improve the quality of your tear film with over-the-counter artificial tears. This will ensure that your eyes won’t become dry during your procedure.
If you use medicated eye drops, you’ll need to discuss with your doctor if you should stop using the days leading up to your surgery. Additionally, if you use allergy eye drops or decongestants, those will need to be stopped on the day of the surgery. However, you can generally resume using them the next day.
Dress Comfortably For Your Procedure
Wear warm and layered clothing on the day of your surgery. You should wear something that you feel comfortable sleeping in so you don’t have to try and change your clothes once you get home. That way, you can go straight to sleep and get some much-needed rest.
For comfort and convenience, you should avoid wearing any accessories in your hair. Be aware that you’ll be asked to wear some type of surgical hat during the procedure. If you have long hair, you will want to wear it in a style that can easily be tucked into the hat.
Eat a Light Meal or Snack
Shortly before you arrive for your procedure, you should eat a small meal or a light snack so that you avoid getting hungry during and right after the procedure.
Premier LASIK Surgery at Clear Choice Lasik
If you believe that LASIK would be beneficial for you, just reach out to the best and most experienced ophthalmologists in Ohio at Clear Choice Lasik. Our knowledgeable team will be there to assist you from your first consultation to your aftercare.
Don’t wait to get the vision that you’ve always wanted.
