Many people think struggling to read is just “getting old,” but this vision change has a real name: presbyopia. It’s different A successful surgery starts long before you arrive at the clinic. Proper preparation is an important step toward achieving clear and healthy vision. This guide will show you how to prepare for your Laser Vision Correction procedure.
This includes popular options like SMILE, LASIK, and PRK. Following these simple steps will help make sure your eyes are in the best shape for surgery. Think of this as the first step on your path to seeing clearly.
The Weeks Before Your Procedure
At Lumea, your preparation for clear vision starts a few weeks before your surgery day. There are a few easy but important things to do first.
Stop Wearing Contact Lenses
You will need to take a break from wearing your contact lenses. This is a crucial step because it lets your cornea, the front part of your eye, return to its natural shape. This helps us get the most accurate measurements for your surgery.
The amount of time you need to stop wearing them depends on the type of contacts you use.
- Soft Contact Lenses: Please stop wearing these at least 1 week before your surgery.
- Soft Toric / Extended Wear Lenses: You will need to stop wearing these for at least 2 weeks.
- Hard / Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses change your eye’s shape the most. Because of this, you must stop wearing them for at least 4 to 6 weeks, and sometimes longer.
Know What to Expect
Our team of expert surgeons is here to guide you through every step. On the day of your surgery, you will first meet our team and then your surgeon. They will discuss the procedure and answer any last-minute questions before the procedure begins.
Plan for a Ride Home
After your surgery, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Your vision will be a little blurry for a short time. You might also feel sleepy from the medication.
For your safety, you must have a friend or family member drive you home.
The Day of Your Surgery
The day of your procedure has arrived! To make sure everything goes smoothly, here are a few simple things to do before you come to the clinic.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Choose clothes that are comfy and loose. Also, please try to avoid wearing fuzzy materials like wool. These fabrics can sometimes create lint, and we need to keep the surgery room very clean.
Come With a Clean Face
On your surgery day, please do not wear any makeup, lotions, or creams on your face. Also, avoid wearing any perfume, cologne, or other scented products.
Eat a Light Meal
You don’t need to skip any meals before your refractive procedure, unless otherwise instructed by our team. You can eat a light breakfast or lunch before you come in.
Skip Coffee and Alcohol
It’s also a good idea to avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure. These drinks can sometimes make your body a little dehydrated. Keeping your body hydrated is good for your eyes.
After Your Procedure: Healing and Recovery
Following these simple steps will help you have a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Rest Your Eyes
The best thing you can do when you get home is simply rest your eyes. We recommend keeping them closed as much as possible for a few hours.
Use Your Eye Drops
Your doctor will give you special eye drops to take home. It is very important to use these drops exactly as directed. Following the schedule helps your eyes heal properly and prevents any infection.
Wear Your Protective Sunglasses
We will give you a pair of protective sunglasses to wear after your procedure. These sunglasses protect your eyes and prevent you from accidentally touching or rubbing your eyes while they heal.
Take It Easy
Avoid any heavy lifting or tough workouts for a little while. Our team will give you a clear timeline.
Your Laser Vision Correction Surgery Checklist
A simple guide to prepare for your Laser Vision Correction and ensure a smooth recovery.
This general LASIK preparation guide is also very helpful for other procedures like PRK.
Your Journey to a Life Beyond Glasses Starts Here
You now have a clear guide on how to prepare for your laser vision correction procedure. Being ready is a big part of ensuring your experience is successful and stress-free.
The Lumea team will also guide you along the way. Soon, you will be enjoying the freedom of clear vision!To start on your journey at any of our state-of-the-art clinics, call today.
