LASIK doesn’t begin or end on the day that you get it. There are things you need to do beforehand to make sure everything goes smoothly.
You can learn more about what you need to do during a LASIK consultation at Frantz EyeCare but here are some easy ways you can prepare before LASIK!
1. Plan a Ride
You will not be able to drive the same day you get LASIK. Your vision may improve the same day but you still can’t drive.
It’s likely that your vision may be blurry for a few hours or the next day as they adjust. Because of this, you need to have a plan for how you’ll get home.
Ask a family member or friend that you trust to drive you home after the procedure. If all else fails, you can always get a taxi or use Uber or Lyft to get home.
The procedure only lasts about 10 minutes per eye. But keep in mind there is some prep time before and a brief resting period before you can leave.
Your ride should not have to wait long. You should be okay to drive short distances after 24 hours.
If your vision has not cleared up by then, just give it a little more time. Everyone’s eyes recover on their own timeline.
2. Prepare for Your Recovery
As you start to recover from LASIK, you will be limited to what you can and cannot do. This is to protect your eyes, as they will be quite fragile and prone to infection.
Know that you cannot do any heavy lifting for several days to a few weeks after the procedure. You may have to make an arrangement at your place of work while you heal.
Depending on when you have LASIK, you may need to take a few days off from work to have LASIK and recover. Plan some light activities to get you through the day.
Make sure to plot out plenty of time to rest, as you will be quite tired after the surgery. Do your best to avoid using anything with screens for the first day or two to give your eyes enough time to rest.
Stick to audiobooks and podcasts if you need entertaining during this time.
3. Stop Wearing Contacts
You will need to stop wearing your contacts for several weeks before your surgery. This is because contacts can actually change the shape of your corneas.
This is more clear with less popular hard contacts, but soft contacts still have a significant effect. Consult your eye doctor to find out how long your contacts will need to be out before you have LASIK.
Remember that you’ll only have to get reacquainted with your glasses for a few weeks and then you’ll be able to see without glasses and contacts! It makes it all worth it.
4. The Day Before Your Procedure
The day before your procedure will be the most restrictive before recovery begins. You will not be able to have anything on your face, including makeup, lotions, and perfumes.
You can eat and drink, as usual, just avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness. You should also avoid smoking on your surgical date.
Wear comfortable clothing, as you will need to be able to lay still for several minutes while the lasers are active. You should avoid fabrics that shed loose fibers or animal hair.
It may be a good idea to wear a few layers like a t-shirt, leggings, and a comfortable hoodie. Think about clothes that you can wear and easily nap in once you get home after the procedure.
You should arrive at the clinic early to ask questions and fill out any last-minute paperwork. Make sure to ask any questions you may have as well.
Think LASIK sounds like it could be right for you? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL now and find out for sure!
