LASIK eye surgery is the best-known and most commonly performed laser refractive eye surgery in the U.S. During the surgery, the doctors use a particular type of cutting laser to change the shape of your cornea and improve your vision. LASIK eye surgery corrects eye problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Preparing for LASIK eye surgery is a process that needs to be followed concisely for the surgery to be successful. Follow these tips to prepare for your surgery.
Stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before the surgery
If you usually wear contact lenses, opt-in for your glasses a few weeks before the surgery. Contact lenses, while an effective way to correct your vision at an affordable cost, can distort your cornea’s shape over time.
Before your LASIK surgery day, your doctor will take measurements of your eye to understand its curvature and the right treatment plan. You want your cornea’s shape to remain unaffected to ensure the surgery’s success.
Avoid wearing makeup, perfumes and lotions on surgery day
On the day of the procedures, avoid heavy skincare products or lotions because the grease can get into your eyes during the surgery. Instead, shower quickly in the morning and come to the surgery with a freshly washed face.
All eye makeup should be removed at least 24 hours before the surgery. Be sure to thoroughly remove any mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow with a makeup remover because if not removed correctly, makeup products can flake into the eye during surgery. Mascara should also not be worn for four weeks after the surgery.
Find a designated driver
You’ll need a close friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgery. Although you won’t be fully put to sleep, numbing eye drops are in your eyes, making driving unsafe. Wear plastic eye shields for the first five nights to avoid rubbing your eyes during sleep and impacting your new cornea.
Our team at Utah Eye Center provides a full ophthalmic practice offering general, retina, pediatrics, cosmetic, refractive care and more. We’re passionate about keeping our patients’ eyes healthy and encourage all visitors to schedule a yearly eye appointment to check on the status of their eye health. To learn more about our services and schedule your first appointment, visit our website or call 801-476-0494. We can’t wait to meet you!