What to do before and after laser eye surgery

Severally, we have seen people complaining even after they’ve undergone laser eye surgery. But, then, why are they complaining? One may start to think otherwise. And if the laser eye surgery procedure is a straightforward process, why are people complaining? 

Doing thorough research before judging or evaluating based on people’s responses is good. For example, research shows that people several people who are complaining about laser eye surgery don’t know what the procedure entails. 

Even after meeting an eye specialist, some don’t know what to do before and after best laser eye surgery. Then, they entered the theatre room, and the whole process failed. It is no longer news that laser surgery is a straightforward procedure. But it is a simple process for people ready to give it all it takes. 

Are you battling astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia? The first thing you need to do is to visit your eye doctor for a proper examination. Then, if he (the eye doctor) instructs you to go for laser eye surgery, there’s no cause for alarm. But if you want to stay safe, there are dos and don’ts before and after the refractive surgery. And that is why we are here.

In this write-up, we will discuss what to do before and after laser eye surgery. But before then, it would be nice to create a piece of background knowledge. So, let’s discuss the meaning of laser eye surgery briefly. 

What is laser eye surgery? 

The use of laser eye surgery to treat astigmatism, presbyopia, long-sightedness, and short-sightedness is becoming more common. The cornea, the transparent layer at the front of the eye, is reshaped as part of the procedure. An “excimer” laser is used for this reshaping, which aids eye focus and significantly enhances natural eyesight.

Another laser, the femtosecond laser, is used in the LASIK treatment to create a micro-thin flap under which the reshaping occurs. Anesthesia eye drops are used during laser eye surgery to lessen discomfort, and the surgeon inserts a tiny “clip” to keep the eyelid open.

The Intralase femtosecond is used initially to form a tiny flap in Lasik or IntraLASIK. The excimer laser then recognizes and tracks the eye using iris registration technology. Reshaping occurs as the flap is raised. Each eye takes fewer than seven minutes to complete the process.

Although no pain is involved with laser eye surgery procedures, patients should anticipate feeling some pressure as the Intralase laser produces the flap. In addition, patients occasionally describe a stinging feeling for a few hours following the laser treatment. 

Things to do before laser eye surgery

An eye exam must determine if you are an ideal candidate for LASIK. In addition, you must cease wearing contact lenses weeks before the surgeon’s evaluation to have a successful surgery. This is because your cornea’s shape changes when you wear contact lenses.

You cannot wear soft contact lenses for up to two weeks before the procedure. Before the procedure, toric or gas-permeable lenses cannot be worn for up to three weeks. Four weeks before the procedure, wearing hard lenses must stop.

Furthermore, Your medical history and any medications you are allergic to must be disclosed to the surgeon. Talk to the surgeon about the procedure’s results and the necessary safety measures.

Stop applying lotions, moisturizers, fragrances, and cosmetics the day before surgery. Plan your transportation to and from the surgery center.

The events during laser eye surgery

The laser surgery process takes thirty minutes to complete. A mechanical microkeratome or laser keratome will be employed throughout the procedure. During the procedure, you can experience pain or have your vision decreased. In addition, you will need to look at a light for roughly sixty seconds before your eyesight becomes blurry. 

If you can’t look at this light for sixty seconds, you’re not a good candidate for laser surgery. After the procedure, a shield will be put over your eye. You must put it on. You cannot go to work on the day of the procedure.

What to do after laser eye surgery

After the procedure, you must have transportation to get you home. After the surgery, your eye will hurt a little, but you must avoid touching or rubbing it. You need to relax frequently. Take a few days off from employment, school, or the university. 

Please contact the surgeon if the pain worsens and you notice a lot of eye tenderness. You must see a doctor within four to forty-eight hours of your surgery. Additionally, you must make routine doctor visits for the first six months following the operation.

To lubricate your eyes, eye drops will be administered. Use these eye drops, please. It is also necessary to take antibiotics and any painkillers. Prevent eye infections by taking precautions. You must wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the damaging effects of dust and sunlight. 

For up to twenty-four to forty-eight hours following the surgery, refrain from using computers or watching television. After surgery, abstain from alcohol for a few weeks. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and avoid wearing contacts until your eye has healed. 

After the surgery, take a bath instead of a shower for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours. After the procedure, you should take a few weeks off from work. You must abstain from all sports for up to four weeks. 

After the operation, wait up to two weeks before applying creams, lotions, or eye makeup. Avoid using hot tubs, whirlpools, or other swimming activities for two to three months after the treatment. If you have discomfort or heaviness in your eyes, call your doctor.

Taking good care of your eyes is crucial to prevent problems before and after laser eye surgery. You must visit your surgeon immediately if you have any eye problems. After laser surgery, your eyes will be healthy, and your vision will be restored if you follow your doctor’s advice.

On a final note

Laser vision correction is simple. If you want to stay safe after LASIK eye surgery, follow all the information above. Then, we also noticed that laser eye surgery cost is one of the reasons why people are refraining from doing it. Your eye health is essential. 

Then, ensure your visit your doctor. Don’t assume you need cataract surgery and not laser eye surgery. We’ve seen people committing that error. If you have blurred vision, visit your eye doctor. You may need laser refractive surgery. Do you have a question? Please ask!