How to Prepare for LASIK Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgery that reduces a person's dependency on corrective lenses. The procedure uses a laser to change the shape of your cornea, the clear covering on the front of the eye. LASIK is a common procedure for people wanting to rid themselves of contact lenses or glasses. It is fairly safe and typically free of complications. As with any surgery, it is important to prepare yourself accordingly. This will help guarantee that the surgery goes smoothly and is successful.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glasses (contact lenses are not to be worn prior to the surgery)
• Friend to drive you home from the surgery
• Light meal
• Comfortable clothes

1. Consult with the surgeon and participate in a full exam to ensure your candidacy for the procedure. It is important to provide him with your complete medical history. Discuss your expectations and make sure the surgeon answers all of your questions. This will ensure you are prepared both physically and mentally for the procedure.

2. Remove contact lenses to prepare your eyes for surgery. The success of the surgery is dependent on accurately measuring the shape and curvature of your cornea. Soft contact lenses should be removed 2 weeks prior to surgery. Gas-permeable lenses should be removed at least 3 weeks before the procedure. Hard contact lenses should come out at least 4 weeks prior to the surgery.

3. Keep your face clean of makeup, lotion or perfume on the day before and the day of the surgery. Foreign material in your eyes could cause infection.

4. Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to and 48 hours after the surgery, since it tends to dehydrate the tissues and alters the laser's effect on your eyes.

5. Arrange transportation for yourself after the surgery as it will not be possible to drive. The doctor may give you medication to help you relax and your vision may be blurry following the procedure.

6. Eat a light meal on the day of the surgery. This will help prevent nausea that could be caused by the medication.

7. Take prescribed medication as you normally would. The surgery should not interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

8. Dress comfortably for the procedure. Avoid bulky hair accessories that could interfere with head positioning. Leave jewelry at home to prevent it from being lost if asked to remove it for the procedure.

9. Prepare for your appointment by gathering the necessary paperwork and documentation, such as a consent form, identification and proof of insurance (if needed). It is also important to have a payment plan arranged if you will not be paying in full.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Food and Drug Administration for a checklist to help prepare you for LASIK surgery (see Resources below).
• It is crucial to find a reputable, accomplished surgeon to perform the surgery. Most complications arise when procedures are completed by inexperienced surgeons who perform more casual surgeries without a thorough pre-surgery exam.

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Resources

• Food and Drug Administration for a LASIK checklist