Before LASIK Eye Surgery
Lasik eye surgery is often
portrayed as a very simple procedure where you are in and out
of the office in about an hour. While that is true in many
cases, it is important to understand what all goes on before
the Lasik surgery procedure even takes place. Understanding
this part of it will help ensure you get quality care. It can
also help to relieve anxiety as many people stress over what
they don’t know.
If you are considering
Lasik then you likely already have a regular eye doctor that
you see. They do your annual exams and help you get the glasses
or contact lenses you are happy with. Let them know you are
interested in the procedure. They can tell you if they think
you may be a good candidate for it or not based upon your
eyesight concerns.
For those who wear
contacts, you will need to go without them for a few weeks
prior to the consultation. This is because the cornea will be a
different shape when you wear them. In order for your doctor to
give you the most accurate assessment they need to see the
cornea in the original shape. It allows for the right
evaluation and course of action to be planned out should the
surgery be something you move forward with.
If you want to pursue the
situation further then you should schedule at least two
consultations at different locations. These are free of charge
and a way for the doctor to get to know you and your situation.
You will spend time filling out an assessment about many
things. Be honest so that they information offers a true
reflection of what is going on.
You will also get a
complete eye exam. All of this information will be combined in
order to determine if Lasik eye surgery is a good option for
you or not. Keep in mind that not everyone is an ideal
candidate for the procedure. At the consultation you will find
out how the doctor feels about your case. This is why it is
important to get at least two opinions on the
subject.
During this consultation
you should get an informational packet you can take home and
review. The doctor should go over the cost, payment options,
what you can expect in the way of results, how to prepare for
the surgery, what will be taking place during it, and the
recovery process. You will also be allowed to ask any questions
you may have about any of it.
Once you schedule your
surgery you need to work your normal schedule around it. Make
sure you have at least two reliable people that can give you
rides to and from your appointments. Make sure you have
everything you need at home so you can rest and let your eyes
recover properly. Let your employer know you will need a couple
of days of work as well.
You will need to make a
commitment to keeping your eyes as clean as possible before the
surgery. This includes not using any make up, location, or
other products on your face around your eyes. Doing so will
significantly increase your risk of an infection developing
after the surgery has been performed. The doctor is counting on
you to do your part to reduce such risks.
It is your responsibility
to find out all you can about Lasik before it takes place. If
you don’t’ feel like you have all the information then don’t be
in a rush to complete the procedure. If you don’t like what the
doctor has to say or to offer you then don’t let them talk you
into it. You need to be fully aware of what to expect before
Lasik eye surgery. Only then can you make well informed
decisions about what is right for you.
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