How to Prepare for Laser Eye Surgery

In recent years, laser eye surgery has become an increasingly common solution to vision problems. Your cornea is reshaped to correct any vision impairments that you may have. There are a number of different specific procedures that are used for different impairments, but the basic outline and goal of each is the same. It is generally considered to be safe and effective, but, like any other medical procedure, there are a number of guidelines that you need to follow to help ensure success and avoid complications.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Visit your doctor for a full consultation before your appointment. There may be additional considerations that need to be taken account of due to other medical conditions you may have, prescriptions you may be taking, or other factors.

2. 
    

   Make sure that your insurance has approved the laser eye surgery if you are not going to be paying for it yourself. This is a particularly tricky area for some people, so it is best to get it taken care of and make sure everything is in place before you fully commit. Depending on your provider, it may not be covered.

3. 
    

   Stop wearing contact lenses if you wear them. Contact lenses can alter the shape of the cornea over time, and laser eye surgery is a very delicate process requiring absolute precision. A few weeks before the procedure is scheduled, start wearing your glasses instead. This time will vary depending on your particular prescription and the lenses you use.

4. 
    

   Arrange for transportation to and from your appointment, as well as for a few days afterward. Your eyesight will temporarily be further impaired, and it will not be safe for you to drive yourself. The same will be true for any post-op visits you need to make. Depending on the particular procedure you undergo, this may need to be as long as a week.

5. 
    

   Make arrangements with your work to take off enough time to recover from the laser eye surgery. It will be important to not stress your eyes following the procedure, so you will need to ensure that you have adequate time to rest. Count on about four days to a week.

6. 
    

   Avoid wearing eye makeup for a few days before your appointment. Your doctor may have specific recommendations for you to follow, but you will need to take every precaution against infection. Your doctor may also give you special cleaning instructions to follow for the days leading up to your laser eye surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have to wear special contact lenses and bandages following your laser eye surgery.
• Depending on the exact procedure, recovery may take a week or so.
• If you experience pain, red eyes, discharge, or sudden loss of vision, contact your doctor immediately.

[voliegurl]

on 2/21/2009 I had to have laser for narrow angle glaucoma ( a medical emergency) it prevented potential blindness thank the lord! Your article is so informative 5* with recommendation!

[Gottaloveit]

on 2/18/2009 I had Lasik 7 years ago. Through natural progression, my eyes have changed so I can no longer read without glasses and can no longer use contacts! I loved it though, for those 7 years!

[JIN1128]

on 2/17/2009 I was thinking about doing this. But I will wait till I am older.

[eliptica]

on 2/17/2009 My husband almost did this but he chickened out. Thanks for the article