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LASIK Up-to-date Newsletter
LASIK: Preparing for your procedure
Once you decide a LASIK procedure is for you, you will probably be
most interested in the details about your procedure. You need to know
what to expect when you arrive on the day your eyesight will start improving
forever!
If you are a contact lens wearer, you should stop wearing your lenses
several weeks before the day of your lasik procedure. Since contact
lens improve your vision also by changing the shape of your cornea,
it is important to allow your cornea to resume its’ normal shape
before your surgery. The amount of time you substitute your glasses,
depends on the type of lenses you wore; so you should discuss this with
your doctor in an earlier visit.
Also, on the day of your procedure, avoid any creams or lotions on
your face, or around your eye area. Perfumes and makeup should be avoided
as well, since these products sometime tend to irritate the eyes or
skin.
On the day of your procedure, you should have someone accompany you,
to drive or assist you home when the procedure is complete. Your vision
will probably be slightly blurry immediately after your surgery, and
driving is not advised. In fact, you should expect to not drive for
several days, however your vision will gradually improve, beginning
on the first day after your surgery.
Most importantly, on the day of your procedure, you will have a complete
eye exam by your ophthalmologist. The LASIK procedure requires your
doctor examine you for any changes in your eyes, since your last visit.
Of course, your doctor will examine your eyes for other problems as
well, and you can discuss any questions you have at that time.
When your procedure begins, your doctor will administer medication
to relax you, and to numb your eye. Instruments will be used to hold
your eyelids open, and after a brief period, the doctor will ask you
to look at a light (not a laser) for a minute or two. At the end of
the procedure, a shield (eyepatch) will be place over your eye for protection.
Since a small flap has been made in your cornea, and must heal without
stitches, it is best to protect the eye area from any accidental contact.
It is wise to keep that shield in place, particularly when sleeping
to avoid rubbing your eyes unconsciously.
You may experience some minor discomfort, similar to having something
in your eye. Your eye may even burn slightly for a short period of time.
Typically, you may experience some tearing in both eyes, which is completely
normal. Your doctor will probably recommend a pain reliever such as
asprin or ibuprofen if you should find the discomfort too annoying.
If possible, you should consider not working for a day or two, at least
until your first follow-up visit.
Your doctor will expect to see you within one to two days after your
procedure, and you should notice an improvement in the discomfort, by
the time of your visit. Still, you should ask someone else to drive
you, or arrange for transportation so you don’t drive yourself
for this appointment. You will receive a complete eye exam at this visit,
and probably a prescription to prevent infection. You should use these
drops as ordered by your doctor, and continue to wear the shield whenever
sleeping or during daily activities if possible. Avoid any sports or
activities that may risk injury to the area. As your vision improves,
you may experience intermittent periods of blurry vision. This is perfectly
normal. This is just the natural process of healing. Your LASIK procedure
is completed, and now you’re on the path to new vision!
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