Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center
If you have chosen the LASIK procedure to transform your eyesight, you will undoubtedly be very excited about the prospect of being able to see clearly with little or no need for glasses or contacts again! LASIK is the most common elective eye surgery and countless procedures have been performed worldwide since the technique was first established. However, like with any surgery, patients should make the necessary preparations for their LASIK procedure in order to significantly reduce their risk of complications and to improve the outcome of their treatment.
Here are our top tips on how you can prepare for your LASIK laser vision correction surgery in Roslyn, NY!
Start Wearing Glasses In Advance Of Your Appointment
If you are someone who would usually wear soft contact lenses, you will be advised to switch to wearing glasses about two weeks before your LASIK procedure. This period is longer for those who usually wear gas-permeable contact lenses. In order to schedule your treatment, you will need to attend a consultation appointment where your surgeon will determine whether you are a good LASIK candidate or not. In this appointment, your LASIK team in Roslyn, NY will take an image of the surface of your eye (topography) which will be used to determine how the cornea needs to be reshaped to allow you to see clearly. Unfortunately, the slight pressure of contact lenses can distort the shape of the cornea slightly, and if the cornea is distorted at the time of topography, this could lead to incorrect planning for your procedure – something that can negatively affect the outcome of your treatment.
Ensure Your Face Is Completely Clean
Many patients arrive at their LASIK procedure with a face full of makeup which could jeopardize their appointment! Any spec of cosmetic products, even including a few flakes of mascara, could potentially get into the eye, increasing the risk of complications and potentially affecting the success of the treatment. Your LASIK team will advise you to avoid not only makeup but also moisturizers, toners, and even perfume.
Plan What You Are Going To Wear
It is equally as important that patients plan what they are going to wear for their LASIK appointment – not from a fashion point of view, but from a practical one. Your eyes will be particularly sensitive after LASIK so you will need to be particularly careful in protecting them. Pulling sweaters or shirts over your head could dislodge the flap which is healing, or irritate your eyes by causing tiny particles to enter the eyes and risk complications. Choose button-front shirts or wide necks when possible. You should also try to avoid any materials that shed, which could result in loose fibers entering your eyes.
Plan Out Your Ride Home
Your LASIK team will inform you that you won’t be able to drive yourself home following your treatment since your vision could remain blurry for up to 24 hours as it settles. You will not be approved to drive until you have had your vision checked and given permission to drive by your LASIK surgeon in Roslyn, NY. Therefore, as part of your pre-LASIK preparations, you should make sure that you have someone reliable who can drive you home following your treatment.
Give Yourself Plenty Of Time
Many people get a little anxious before LASIK which is completely normal. However, being late and rushing around can only exacerbate this feeling, ramping up patient stress levels and making the entire experience far less pleasant. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you plan your day carefully to ensure that you have plenty of time to get to your appointment, which will help you feel calm, relaxed, and ready to have your vision transformed.
For more advice on preparing for LASIK, or to schedule your FREE Virtual Consultation, please contact Manhattan LASIK Center at 212-759-9617 and our team would be delighted to help.
