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LASIK
Eye Surgery Information to help the
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The pre-LASIK vision correction evaluation should include:
Dilated exam to check for ocular irregularities
Refractive error measurement
Pupil and corneal thickness measurements
Corneal topography map
Tear function analysis
Discussion of medical history, lifestyle, and expectations
This evaluation determines if the patient’s eye curvature is suitable for the LASIK procedure. If not, the surgery could result in tear problems or unstable vision. Additionally, the evaluation measures tear production. The eyes naturally produce fewer tears as we age and LASIK always causes temporary dryness. If a prospective patient has naturally dry eyes, LASIK vision correction may not a suitable option.
The
Weeks Prior to LASIK Eye Surgery
Contact lenses should not be worn in the weeks prior to LASIK vision
correction surgery. This is because the success of LASIK is
dependent on accurately measuring the shape and curvature of your
cornea, which can be affected by lenses. A period of time without
contacts restores your cornea to its natural shape. The Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that LASIK patients adhere to
the following guidelines:
Soft contact lenses should not be worn for at least two weeks prior to LASIK vision correction surgery.
Gas permeable contact lenses should not be worn for at least three weeks prior to LASIK vision correction surgery.
Hard contact lenses should not be worn for at least four weeks prior to LASIK vision correction surgery.
The Day
Before LASIK Eye Surgery
On the day before LASIK vision correction surgery, patients should
stop using any makeup, lotions, perfumes, or creams that may cause
debris to get into the eye. Patients should also arrange
transportation for after the surgery as it may take several days to
adjust to the change in their vision. LASIK eye surgeons may request
patients thoroughly wash their eyes to prevent any chance of
infection.
The
Day of LASIK Eye Surgery
On the day of your LASIK vision correction surgery, eat a light meal
before going to the eye surgeon and take any doctor-prescribed
medications as normal. Do not wear any makeup or lotion, as they may
increase the likelihood of infection. Also, do not wear any bulky
accessories in your hair that may interfere with positioning your
head under the laser. Patients’ eyes will be measured again before
surgery and the LASIK surgeon will once again go through the
procedure, making sure you have no additional questions or concerns.
An anesthetic and any needed anti-anxiety medication will then be
administered. If you are not feeling well the morning of your
surgery, call the doctor’s office to determine if the procedure
needs to be postponed.
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