After you schedule your LASIK surgery, it’s crucial that you prepare. Without question, LASIK in Atlanta is a safe and effective procedure to correct refractive errors and other eye problems. Making the necessary preparations can help ensure optimal results. Here’s what to do before LASIK and increase the chances of success:
1. Discuss Your Medical History
During your consultation, be honest about your complete medical history. Be open and as descriptive as possible so your eye surgeon knows about your overall health, any medical conditions and the medications and supplements you are currently taking. This assessment becomes the foundation of all the steps taken in the future. Don’t hesitate to ask questions regarding the procedure and post-op care to make informed decisions and preparations.
2. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Intake
It’s best to limit alcoholic and caffeinated drinks before the procedure. These diuretics remove fluid from your body and alter the health of your eyes. The idea is to stay hydrated and have more water and fruits, but nothing that can adversely impact the surgery.
3. Abstain From Wearing Contacts
Once you finalize the date of your LASIK procedure, it’s important to follow specific instructions to improve your chances of success. Your eye doctor will recommend many things, including a contact lens break. Ideally, you should stop wearing your contacts at least two weeks before the surgery. If you wear hard contact lenses, this timeline increases to at least four weeks. This is suggested to allow your cornea to return to its original shape and help the surgeon achieve precise results. Discuss the alternatives with your eye doctor if you cannot see well without your contacts.
4. No Makeup
You must also stop using eye makeup, creams, lotions, and perfumes several days before the procedure. Your face must be absolutely clean and free from the remnants of any facial products. This minimizes the risk of infections or complications in your eyes on the day of the surgery.
5. Be Mentally Prepared
LASIK is an outpatient procedure and you remain awake the entire time. Treating each eye normally takes 15 minutes or less, but the preparation and recovery time can vary. The procedure doesn’t hurt, and you’ll be given numbing eye drops and oral medications to help you relax.
Your LASIK eye surgeon creates a small flap on the cornea, uses a laser to reshape it, and places the flap black to its original position. You might feel some pressure, but that’s all. After the procedure, you can expect general discomfort, redness, dry eyes, and light sensitivity, but they’ll subside in a few days. Follow the surgeon’s recommendations, and you’ll have a seamless recovery.
6. Have Someone Drive You Home
Not only will you be wearing sun-blocking shades when leaving the clinic after the procedure, but you must also have someone drive you back home. Your vision may be blurry for at least the first 24 hours, and trying to drive back home yourself can be risky. When you wonder, “What to do before LASIK,” ask a loved one to drive you back home.
7. Learn About Post-Op Care
Now that you know what to do before LASIK, here are some after-care tips. Talk to your surgeon and understand the post-operative care to accelerate your recovery after the procedure. Know about the eye drops, medications, and other necessary steps for comprehensive care. To avoid confusion, your eye surgeon can also provide you with a list of pre- and post-LASIK directions.
What to Do After LASIK Surgery?
You might be eager to return to your routine after your LASIK surgery, and it’s often possible to do so. The first 24 hours may be the most crucial, but you can still do many things as usual. Doctors generally recommend taking a few days off from work and other demanding activities to recover smoothly.
During the first few weeks, you should stay indoors as much as possible to avoid smoke, dust, and other irritants. You should also avoid using makeup around your eyes or face. Soap can also cause irritation and delay your recovery.
You must also avoid excessive screen time, rubbing your eyes vigorously, swimming, harsh sunlight, and contact sports to ensure optimal results. Apart from that, eat well, exercise moderately, increase your fluid intake, and avoid anything that affects your eyes. Also, never miss your follow-up appointments to ensure you are recovering correctly.
Contact Experts for More Information
LASIK is one of the most effective options restore your vision. It has a high success rate and is a long-term solution to correct issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and blurry vision. At Woodhams Eye Clinic, we’re one of the most reputed LASIK clinics in Atlanta. Your eye surgeon will carefully examine your eyes and determine if you will be a good LASIK candidate. Call 770-394-4000 or book a consultation online.