If you are now prepared for LASIK surgery, you may have certain thoughts and questions in your mind, wondering what steps to take before, during, and after the treatment. We hope to answer all of your queries and give you complete information regarding the LASIK procedure through this blog.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular refractive eye surgeries that is designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Before LASIK Surgery
The pre-surgery diagnosis is critical since it not only helps you understand the procedure but also determines whether you are eligible or not for LASIK therapy. For this, the eye specialist will have a comprehensive medical examination of your eyes.
Initial Consultation
The first and foremost step before the LASIK procedure is to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist. During this consultation, you can discuss your vision concerns, expectations, and queries related to the LASIK treatment.
Pre LASIK Evaluation
It is one of the most significant parts of the LASIK treatment. The surgeon will examine the eye to get a detailed history of eye pressure, eye power, corneal evaluation, optic nerve, and retina evaluation. During the procedure, the Corneal topography (Orbscan IIz / Pentacam) is also done to assess the corneal thickness & curvature. Aberrometry using Wavescan for customized Lasik treatment. The entire pre-Lasik evaluation takes around 1-2 hours of the examination.
Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses it is recommended to discuss it with your eye surgeon as he will ask you to discontinue them before the surgery. The contact lenses make the cornea hard and it becomes difficult to reshape the cornea during the surgery.
Sharing Medical History
Do not hide any medical information from your ophthalmologist as it will help him in understanding your body as some underlying diseases can hinder LASIK treatment. Share all the details and the treatment you are taking for any kind of illness.
On the Day of Surgery
The day of your LASIK procedure is a crucial turning point in your path to better vision. Some precautions that must be taken to guarantee a successful surgery and a speedy recovery are:
Wear comfortable clothes so that you do not feel uneasy during the surgical treatment.
Avoid the usage of fragrance, lotion, or any cream as it can interfere with the surgical process.
You will not be allowed to drive right after surgery, so make your transport arrangements in advance.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and observe fasting if it is asked by your surgeon.
Read the consent form carefully before signing it and look for a helping hand after surgery so bring some trusted companion with you.
Complete all your tasks as you need to rest for some days after surgery, even screen time is limited for quick recovery.
After Surgery
Immediately after surgery, you may feel a burning sensation, along with itching. You can also experience watery or dry eyes. There may be some pain too. Do not worry about such things, just rest and follow the instructions given by the surgeon, and you will feel better. The severity of such symptoms will depend on the type of surgery performed.
Furthermore, you should avoid using creams, lotion, or any makeup around your eye for at least 2 weeks or until advised by the doctor. Contact sports such as boxing, football, karate, etc should be avoided for at least a month as it is important to protect your eyes against any hit or bump.
Conclusion
Preparing for LASIK is the first step toward an improved glasses-free future. It all starts with a comprehensive diagnosis to determine suitability, then moves on to a precise surgical technique. While post-surgery discomfort may temporarily hamper your vision, it is only a minor stumbling block on the road to visual freedom. Following post-operative instructions is critical, and with patience, you’ll quickly see a significant improvement in your eyesight.
MM Joshi Eye Institute is a renowned name in the LASIK treatment in Karnataka. The hospital has the latest LASIK techniques and an experienced team of LASIK surgeons. We at MM Joshi Eye Institute have completed more than ten thousand LASIK surgeries with happy patients thereafter.
FAQs
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What precautions are taken before and after LASIK surgery?
Before LASIK surgery, avoiding the use of contact lenses, eating healthy food, and thoroughly examining your eyes for pre-LASIK evaluation is very important. After the surgery, avoid direct contact with water and eyes, and refrain from activities such as swimming, saunas, and pools (a minimum of 4 weeks). Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid using eye makeup for at least a week.
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What not to do before getting LASIK?
Do not wear any kind of makeup. Avoid the usage of creams and perfumes as they can interfere with surgical procedures. Avoid contact lenses for a week before surgery.
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Can you watch TV after LASIK surgery?
The use of the screen including watching TV, laptop, mobile, or other gadgets to be avoided after surgery. You can start using gadgets as your vision improves.
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Can I be on my phone after LASIK?
It’s not a good idea to use the phone immediately after LASIK surgery. Keep your phone away from you for some days to ease recovery and minimize excessive strain on your eyes.
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Why is water avoided after LASIK?
Exposure to chlorinated pool water and fine particles in salt or freshwater lakes might increase the risk of irritation, redness, and even ocular infections immediately following LASIK surgery. Such interactions have the potential to hinder healing or cause post-operative problems. Avoid the use of polls, waterfalls, or beaches for at least one month after the surgery.
Author
MMJ Eye Institute