Preparing for Laser Eye Surgery: What to Expect

Considering laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Whether you're tired of glasses or contacts, or you’re looking for long-term vision correction, it’s important to be prepared. At G&G Eye Doctors, we help patients get ready for laser eye surgery by explaining every step of the process—from the initial consultation to recovery. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect before, during, and after your laser eye surgery.

Pre-Surgery Consultation

Before laser eye surgery, your first step is scheduling a consultation with an optometrist. During this consultation, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your vision and overall eye health. The purpose of this exam is to determine if you're a good candidate for laser eye surgery and what type of procedure (e.g., LASIK or PRK) will work best for you.

Preparing for the Surgery

If you're cleared for laser eye surgery, your optometrist will provide you with a list of pre-surgery instructions to follow. Some important preparation steps include:

• Stop wearing contact lenses: Soft contact lenses can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, so you’ll need to stop wearing them 1-2 weeks before surgery. If you wear hard or gas-permeable lenses, you may need to stop wearing them even earlier.
• Avoid makeup and lotions: On the day of surgery, avoid wearing any makeup, lotions, or perfumes. These products can leave residue that might interfere with the procedure.
• Arrange for transportation: You won’t be able to drive after surgery, so make sure you have a friend or family member available to take you home.

The Laser Eye Surgery Procedure

Laser eye surgery is typically a quick and painless procedure that lasts about 30 minutes. During the surgery, your eye surgeon will use advanced laser technology to reshape your cornea and correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

• Step 1: Numbing Drops: Your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
• Step 2: Corneal Flap Creation: If you’re undergoing LASIK, a thin flap is created on the surface of your cornea. This flap is gently folded back to expose the underlying tissue.
• Step 3: Laser Reshaping: The laser is then used to reshape your cornea, correcting your vision.
• Step 4: Flap Replacement: Once the laser treatment is complete, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned to heal naturally.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

After the surgery, it’s important to follow your eye doctor’s post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some tips for a successful recovery:

• Rest your eyes: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day following surgery. Avoid reading, screen time, and other activities that strain your eyes for at least 24 hours.
• Use prescribed eye drops: Your surgeon will prescribe medicated eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. Use them as directed.
• Wear protective eyewear: You may be given protective shields to wear while sleeping to prevent rubbing your eyes, which can disrupt the healing process.

When to Expect Results

Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours after laser eye surgery. However, it may take a few days or weeks for your vision to fully stabilize. During your follow-up visits, your eye doctor will monitor your healing and ensure that your vision is progressing as expected.

Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. During your consultation, your optometrist will assess your vision and overall health to determine if this procedure is right for you. Generally, good candidates for LASIK are adults over 18 with stable vision, healthy eyes, and no history of eye disease or autoimmune conditions.

Book a Laser Eye Surgery Consultation at G&G Eye Doctors

If you’re ready to explore laser eye surgery, the team at G&G Eye Doctors is here to help. We offer comprehensive pre- and post-surgery consultations to ensure you’re fully prepared for the procedure. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.