5 Smart Ways to Prepare for Your LASIK Procedure

Many people wear glasses or contacts to see, which can be inconvenient. LASIK eye surgery corrects vision by changing the shape of the cornea. The result is improved vision that usually doesn't require corrective lenses.

LASIK surgery is overwhelming for some, mainly because you’re awake during the procedure – but preparing for it is crucial to success. At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge, we help you get ready for a new outlook on life through laser eye surgery.

Our four ophthalmology specialists offer general eye exams, laser vision correction, and diabetic eye care to ensure you can see through every stage of life.

The facts about LASIK

LASIK is a type of eye surgery that utilizes a specialized laser to correct the shape of the cornea. The change in shape allows light to hit the retina properly, correcting blurry vision.

You may consider LASIK if you're nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. These issues occur when the cornea's shape prevents light from bending correctly and hitting the retina.

LASIK is a permanent procedure that changes the cornea's shape – but your vision still changes. As you age, it's common to have trouble reading without glasses. After LASIK surgery, you still get plenty of good years with 20/40 vision or better.

One benefit of LASIK is it's an outpatient procedure. You can go home the same day and begin seeing clearly immediately. The most common symptom following LASIK is dry eye.

Five tips to prepare for LASIK surgery

LASIK is a significant step in improving your life; you no longer need glasses or contacts to see. However, it can be daunting, so knowing how to prepare for a seamless procedure and recovery is essential.

We recommend preparing for LASIK as soon as you schedule the procedure. The following are five essential tips to ensure surgery goes smoothly and you can begin enjoying the view right away:

1. Find a ride to and from the procedure

Although you're awake during LASIK, you may require a sedative, which renders you unable to drive. Your vision will be much clearer right after surgery, but it's still a little blurry from inflammation of the cornea.

Arrange having a driver to ensure you get home safely and can focus on recovery.

2. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is essential even if you're not having LASIK, but it's even more critical leading up to the procedure. The most common complaint after the procedure is dry eyes, which hydration helps.

Drink plenty of water in the days before surgery to keep your eyes as lubricated as possible. We also recommend lubricating drops to help with dryness.

3. Avoid wearing contacts

You shouldn’t wear contacts when you're about to have LASIK because they change the shape of the front of your eye, which changes our calculations for the procedure.

You should avoid soft contacts for a week before LASIK surgery and two weeks if you wear toric lenses for astigmatism.

4. Stay away from makeup or perfume

Another way to prepare for LASIK is to know what not to wear on the day of surgery. Avoid wearing makeup because it affects the lasers and medications we use. On surgery day, arrive with a fresh face — that includes no face makeup, eye makeup, or lotions.

Perfume is another no-no on surgery day. Avoid loading up on scented sprays the day of, as they can affect air quality and the lasers we use.

5. Mentally prepare yourself

Getting ready mentally is the best way to prepare yourself before LASIK surgery. Although it's exciting to know you won't need contacts or glasses, the procedure may make you a little anxious because you're awake. But don’t worry, we’re here to help calm your nerves and mentally prepare for surgery day. We’ll give you a sedative to help take the edge off.

Contact us with any questions or concerns you have before the day of the procedure. The more prepared you are, the better the surgery day goes.

Call the Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge today to make an appointment for LASIK surgery, or visit our website to schedule an appointment with our team.