Before Laser Eye Correction Surgery

Before Embarking on Laser Eye Surgery

Before deciding to embark on any sort of Laser Eye Surgery you will need to undergo an evaluation or examination by your optometrist or eye doctor to see whether you are a good candidate for surgery or not.

If you normally wear contact lenses then these should be removed before your initial consultation and you should temporarily wear glasses instead. This is because the wearing of contacts can distort the shape of the eye for a number of weeks after they are no longer being worn. By removing them in a timely manner it allows the shape of the eye to revert to its natural position prior to examination so that the measurements taken can be as accurate as possible.

Not doing this prior to examination can have dire results on the outcome of any surgery. The consequences can include to much or to little corneal tissue being removed during surgery due to inaccurate measurements, resulting in poor vision after surgery. 

Soft contact lenses should be removed two weeks prior to your initial consultation. Wearers of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or those with Toric soft lenses, you should stop wearing them at least 3 weeks before examination and those people who wear hard lenses should remove them at least 4 weeks before the initial examination.

The Consultation Before Laser Eye Surgery

An initial eye examination prior to laser surgery is normally undertaken by a specialist optometrist and lasts for about an hour and a half.  The examination is very comprehensive and during this time the optometrist will determine whether you are suitable for surgery or not.

If you are suitable then they should also explain the type of procedure most suited to your needs and answer any questions that you might have.

During the consultation you should clearly explain to the optometrist your past and present eyesight condition and medical history. You should also tell him whether you are on any medication or whether you are known to be allergic to anything.

After performing a thorough eye examination you optometrist should explain to you whether you are a good candidate for surgery, what the benefits and risks are of the proposed procedure, what you should expect prior to and after the surgery and what you need to do to ensure optimum results.

You should be given plenty of time to ask your optometrist questions on the procedure itself, the costs, the risks and the benefits.

Check the literature before you go and be prepared to ask questions on anything that concerns you and ensure you get adequate answers before deciding on surgery or signing any consent forms.

You should in no way feel pressurised by your optometrist, the clinic, you family or friends into having surgery. It is your decision and yours alone so you should ensure that you consider carefully all the pros and cons.

The Day Before Eye Correction Surgery

The day prior to surgery you should stop wearing any make-up, lotions, creams or perfumes. These types of products can leave a residue that may cause infection during or after the surgery.

Your optometrist may ask that you scrub you eyelashes for a period prior to surgery to ensure that all lingering residue and debris has been eliminated.

Ensure that you have arranged for transportation to and from the surgery as you may not be in a state to drive yourself. The surgeon may give you drops that can cause your eyes to become blurry so even if the surgery does not prevent you from driving these might.

Good Practices to Follow Before Your Vision Correction Surgery

Before your initial exam, stop wearing contact lenses. 4 weeks before initial exam, hard (PMMA) lenses. 3 weeks before, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. 2 weeks before, soft lenses.