Laser eye surgery is a life changing decision that can have a huge impact on your vision and overall quality of life. And preparation is key. When you are preparing for laser eye surgery, your healthcare provider will give you a list of do’s and don’ts that you must follow.
It’s important that these steps are followed because they can have an impact on the success of your procedure and the length of your recovery.
The Importance of Pre-Operative Preparation
Pre-operative preparation is essential for ensuring a successful treatment and a successful recovery. The procedure itself is one of the latter steps in your journey, with many consultations, examinations and discussions taking place beforehand.
This preparation allows you to make any necessary lifestyle changes, understand the benefits and risks associated with treatment and ask any questions that are causing you concern. This way, you can make an informed decision on the right treatment for you.
It also aids your healthcare provider in understanding your goals and enables them to recommend the best laser eye surgery option to achieve these.
Following the advice provided by your healthcare provider will best ensure your safety during and after the procedure. This is the top priority of any clinic during treatment. Quality pre-op advice and preparation will optimize your health before, during and after surgery.
Do’s: Essential Steps to Take Before Surgery
In preparing for surgery, there are some essential steps that you should take. Following these will ensure that you are adequately prepared for both treatment and the recovery. These include:
- Following the pre-treatment advice from your healthcare provider.
- Eating well, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol in the build-up to surgery.
- Arranging time off work to allow yourself to recover.
- Ensuring that you are able to rest as needed, avoiding childcare, housework, and screen use.
Do’s: Arranging for Transportation and Post-Op Care
After the procedure your vision could be slightly blurry and your eyes both tired and sensitive to light. As a result, you won’t be able to drive yourself home and will need to arrange for transportation in advance. Ideally this should be a family member or friend who can accompany and aid you, but in some cases that’s just not possible.
Your post-op care begins immediately after surgery. You can prepare by:
- Stocking up on essentials at home such as UV protected sunglasses.
- Cleaning any pillowcases, towels and washcloths to minimize the risk of infection.
- Ensuring that you have adequate eye drops that have been prescribed by your clinic.
Don’ts: Habits and Activities to Avoid
In the build-up to your surgery, you may be required to stop certain habits or activities in order to prepare. It’s advised to use glasses instead of contact lenses, especially ahead of your pre-consultation because the latter can temporarily alter your eye shape.
It’s also recommended to avoid any alcohol in the days ahead of surgery because this can thin the blood and cause complications during the procedure. If you participate in any contact sports, it’s also recommended that you avoid activity in the build-up to surgery. This will ensure that your eyes are protected and free from any scratches, scrapes or bruising.
Don’ts: Specific Medications and Products to Stop Using
On the day of your procedure, your healthcare provider will have advised you to stop certain medications and products. Generally, it’s recommended to ensure that your face remains free from any eye make-up and mascara, face creams and moisturizers, and perfume and other scented products.
These items increase the risk of infection during surgery because they can introduce oils, debris and chemicals into an otherwise sterilized area.
You may also be required to abstain from taking certain medication such as blood thinners and painkillers on the day of surgery to avoid complications, but your surgeon will have provided you with exact details at your pre-surgery consultation.
What to Expect at Your Pre-Surgery Consultation
Your pre-surgery consultation is an essential step of the process. It gives you the space to ask any questions and raise any concerns as well as enabling your healthcare provider to prepare for surgery. During your appointment, your surgeon will commonly:
- Perform an eye exam that includes mapping your corneal and measuring your pupil.
- Identify the best laser eye surgery option for your needs.
- Review any medical conditions or allergies that you have.
- Discuss what will happen on the day of treatment.
- Provide you with do’s and don’ts that will help you to prepare for both surgery and the recovery.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Understanding the procedure can help to ease any anxiety as well as set your expectations for surgery. Although a short treatment, it’s natural to feel nervous. Here are some questions that you could ask your surgeon.
What Type of Laser Eye Surgery is Right for me?
There are a number of different types of laser eye surgery, and each have their own procedure, side effects and recovery time. For optimal preparation and recovery, you should ensure that you understand the treatment you will be undergoing.
What is the Recovery Timeline?
You will need to take time off from your normal activities to recover from surgery so it’s important to understand the recovery timeline. This ensures that you schedule adequate time off work, arrange necessary childcare and don’t overcommit yourself socially following treatment.
What are the Risks and Potential Side Effects?
As with any treatment, laser eye surgery doesn’t come without risks and possible side effects. Understanding these and how they might impact you can ensure that you are well prepared and could minimize or ease symptoms.
Speak to an Expert Today
Do you want to find out more information about preparing for laser eye surgery? Get in touch with the experts at IQ Laser Vision. With over 60 years of experience and 300,000 surgeries performed, you are in safe hands.
Get started today by calling (888) 727-0253 or completing an online enquiry form.
