How to Prepare for LASIK Surgery

Being able to see clearly is taken for granted by many until they can no longer see without the assistance of corrective eyewear. Not being able to clearly see your reflection in the mirror, the alarm clock, faces of loved ones, and even the computer screen without the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses can be frustrating. Even with the assistance of these visual aids, vision is often blurred from dust, dirt, smudges, and scratches. Contact lenses may appear to be a better solution than eyeglasses, but they can be irritating to the eyes, become torn, and are often dropped and can be lost easily. Glasses and contacts can also be quite expensive, especially over time. The expense of having to buy contact lenses every few months and eyeglasses every couple of years can begin to add up quickly. Fortunately, there is a safe and effective treatment of the common refractive errors farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), and astigmatism: LASIK. Indeed, if you are tired of having to rely on contact lenses or eyeglasses to see clearly, you may benefit from LASIK surgery.

There are certain steps that must be followed to ensure optimal results after you have made the decision to undergo LASIK. These steps include undergoing a pre-operative evaluation to determine that you are, indeed, an ideal candidate for LASIK; following all pre-operative instructions; and also following all post-operative instructions. By following all of our LASIK instructions, patients can help minimize their risk of complications from the procedure and maximize the results of their surgery.

Pre-operative Evaluation

In order to qualify for LASIK surgery, you must first undergo a pre-operative evaluation. This pre-operative evaluation is vital to ensuring that you are a good candidate for the LASIK procedure. Patients who are ideal candidates for LASIK have a higher chance of achieving optimal results. During your pre-operative evaluation at our Chicago laser eye surgery center, Chicago Cornea Consultants™, Ltd., we will discuss in great detail all pre-operative instructions. We will also discuss your goals, your medical history, your family history, any past surgeries you may have had, and the medications you are currently taking. You will also be required to undergo a comprehensive eye exam. During this eye exam, we will measure your pupils and determine the thickness and strength of your corneas.

If it is determined that you are not a suitable candidate for traditional LASIK, we will recommend an alternative procedure. Patients who have thin corneas, for example, may benefit more from bladeless LASIK instead of traditional LASIK.

Pre-operative LASIK Instructions

Patients are not able to drive themselves home after surgery. Because of this, patients must arrange for someone to pick them up after their LASIK surgery. For the patient’s comfort, we recommend that they have someone help care for them the first day after undergoing LASIK surgery.

Chicago LASIK patients who wear contact lenses must stop wearing them prior to surgery. We will give you exact instructions as to when to stop wearing your contact lenses during your pre-operative evaluation. Typically, soft contact lenses should not be worn seven days prior to surgery, toric lenses should not be worn two weeks prior to surgery, and rigid gas permable lenses should nto be worn two to three weeks prior to surgery.

Any medications prescribed by your LASIK surgeon, such as eye drops, should be picked up prior to surgery. Patients should wear comfortable clothing. We also recommend that patients eat a light meal before their LASIK procedure. Patients are not allowed to wear perfume, cologne, or make-up the day of surgery. We also ask that patients refrain from wearing anything that may interfere with the LASIK treatment process, such as jewelry.