eye laser surgery : What to Do Before Surgery
Step 1, do you know what to expect?
The absolutely, most important choice to make before having Lasik surgery is to select the best in Lasik Eye Surgeons. Need help in choosing which Lasik Eye surgeon to pick? Please click on the link in the next paragraph for help in deciding what to look for in Lasik Eye surgeons. After you have chosen your Lasik surgeon, you will be scheduled for an initial consultation. Your Lasik surgeon may ask you to stop wearing any contact lenses and return to wearing glasses for 2 to 4 weeks before your consultation. Why?
All contact lenses, but especially hard lenses, can change the shape of your cornea temporarily. During your baseline exam, your surgeon will thoroughly examine both of your eyes, taking precise, detailed measurements. These measurement help determine how much corneal tissue will need to be reshaped to give you the best possible outcome after surgery. Wearing contact lenses up to the day of your baseline exam may cause inaccurate measurements to be taken and this can result in inaccurate changes made to your vision. There's no way you want this to happen, so listen to your surgeon's recommendations if he or she asks you to stop wearing your contacts prior to your exam.
Need help in choosing which Lasik Eye Surgeon to pick? See Choosing Your Lasik Eye Surgeon for help in researching, questioning and selecting the best surgeon. The goal of your initial consultation and baseline exam is to help you and your surgeon determine if you are a good candidate for Lasik surgery. Your Lasik surgeon will discuss the medical history of your eyes with you and will also ask you about your general medical history.
Topics your Lasik surgeon will discuss with you:
when did you first began wearing glasses or contacts
do you have any history of eye injuries
have you had any reoccurring eye infections
do you have frequent headaches, blurred vision or double vision
what current medications are you taking (both prescription and non prescription medication as they may be important to your vision)
what are the possible risks of having Lasik surgery
what are the non-surgical alternatives to Lasik surgery
what questions do you have regarding your upcoming surgery
signing the informed consent form for Lasik surgery (signed agreement between you and your surgeon that you understand the risks, benefits and alternatives of your procedure)
do you have any long term, chronic, medical conditions that could affect the long term health of your eyes
are you pregnant or nursing
Don’t feel pressured to sign the informed consent form for Lasik surgery until you feel confident and comfortable with your surgeon. And don’t let anyone ‘talk you into’ having Lasik surgery. Your family and friends can give you advice but only you can decide what is best for your eyes. On the day of surgery, avoid using any lotions, perfume or make up to help avoid eye irritation and possible eye infections. Arrange for a friend or family member to give you a ride to and from your Lasik surgery for your safety and peace of mind. Look for my next article in the series on Lasik Surgery – Step 2, What to expect the day of your Lasik Surgery, coming out next week.
By Beth Gabriel
The absolutely, most important choice to make before having Lasik surgery is to select the best in Lasik Eye Surgeons. Need help in choosing which Lasik Eye surgeon to pick? Please click on the link in the next paragraph for help in deciding what to look for in Lasik Eye surgeons. After you have chosen your Lasik surgeon, you will be scheduled for an initial consultation. Your Lasik surgeon may ask you to stop wearing any contact lenses and return to wearing glasses for 2 to 4 weeks before your consultation. Why?
All contact lenses, but especially hard lenses, can change the shape of your cornea temporarily. During your baseline exam, your surgeon will thoroughly examine both of your eyes, taking precise, detailed measurements. These measurement help determine how much corneal tissue will need to be reshaped to give you the best possible outcome after surgery. Wearing contact lenses up to the day of your baseline exam may cause inaccurate measurements to be taken and this can result in inaccurate changes made to your vision. There's no way you want this to happen, so listen to your surgeon's recommendations if he or she asks you to stop wearing your contacts prior to your exam.
Need help in choosing which Lasik Eye Surgeon to pick? See Choosing Your Lasik Eye Surgeon for help in researching, questioning and selecting the best surgeon. The goal of your initial consultation and baseline exam is to help you and your surgeon determine if you are a good candidate for Lasik surgery. Your Lasik surgeon will discuss the medical history of your eyes with you and will also ask you about your general medical history.
Topics your Lasik surgeon will discuss with you:
when did you first began wearing glasses or contacts
do you have any history of eye injuries
have you had any reoccurring eye infections
do you have frequent headaches, blurred vision or double vision
what current medications are you taking (both prescription and non prescription medication as they may be important to your vision)
what are the possible risks of having Lasik surgery
what are the non-surgical alternatives to Lasik surgery
what questions do you have regarding your upcoming surgery
signing the informed consent form for Lasik surgery (signed agreement between you and your surgeon that you understand the risks, benefits and alternatives of your procedure)
do you have any long term, chronic, medical conditions that could affect the long term health of your eyes
are you pregnant or nursing
Don’t feel pressured to sign the informed consent form for Lasik surgery until you feel confident and comfortable with your surgeon. And don’t let anyone ‘talk you into’ having Lasik surgery. Your family and friends can give you advice but only you can decide what is best for your eyes. On the day of surgery, avoid using any lotions, perfume or make up to help avoid eye irritation and possible eye infections. Arrange for a friend or family member to give you a ride to and from your Lasik surgery for your safety and peace of mind. Look for my next article in the series on Lasik Surgery – Step 2, What to expect the day of your Lasik Surgery, coming out next week.
By Beth Gabriel
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