6 Tips and Tricks Before Your LASIK Surgery
Are you planning to get LASIK? With the ability to dramatically improve your vision, laser eye surgery is one of the most exciting procedures available.
Rather than just showing up on the day of your surgery, there are some ways you can prepare yourself for the procedure of a lifetime. Not only will these keep you comfortable the day of your surgery and the days after, but they will also provide support for an optimal visual outcome.
Keep reading to learn six tips and tricks before you have LASIK surgery!
1. Plan Your Ride Home
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home the same day. Even though you may feel okay to drive after, you should plan to have a friend or family member drive you home in advance.
LASIK offers a short recovery period, and most people are able to see an improvement in their vision within days of the procedure. However, some blurriness can occur, especially within a few hours after surgery.
You may also experience some light sensitivity as your eyes begin to heal. For these reasons and others, it is best to hold off on driving until your doctor gives you the okay.
When scheduling your procedure, make sure someone can take you home afterward.
2. Schedule LASIK When It’s Convenient for You
It doesn’t take long to get LASIK. In fact, it usually takes thirty minutes or less for both eyes.
The majority of people can resume normal activities within a couple of days. Still, you want to schedule your procedure for a time that’s convenient for you.
It’s best to take it easy for the rest of the day after your procedure. You may need an additional day or two to feel your best.
You will also have a follow-up appointment the day after your procedure. Because of this, it is helpful to schedule your procedure for a time when missing a little bit of work or school is not a big deal.
Whenever you plan to have the procedure, you can look forward to better-than-ever vision when you return to your typical activities.
3. Get LASIK in Advance of an Important Event
Do you have a wedding, vacation, or another significant event on your schedule this year? Getting LASIK can allow you to show up as your best self.
Whether you want to appear in wedding photos without glasses or go swimming without having to take out your contacts, LASIK can make whatever you’re looking forward to even more enjoyable. When you don’t have to worry about your vision, you can just focus on having a good time.
When contemplating your ideal time to get LASIK, consider scheduling it in advance of any special days on your calendar. It doesn’t require too much time to undergo LASIK, but you want to make sure you give your eyes the opportunity to heal fully.
Then, you’ll be able to attend your big event with newfound visual freedom!
4. Download Podcasts or Audiobooks for the Day of Your Procedure
After your procedure, your LASIK surgeon will recommend that you relax for the rest of the day. A great way to plan ahead is by downloading podcasts, audiobooks, or playlists to listen to.
When you have them queued up, you won’t have to spend too much time looking at a screen, which can cause strain. All you have to do is press play.
By thinking about how you will spend the rest of your day after LASIK, you can ensure you won’t get bored and will stay entertained. Audio entertainment is perfect for keeping yourself relaxed on the way to your procedure as well.
5. Arrange for an Easy Dinner after LASIK
It would be challenging to take it easy the day of your procedure if you had to spend time cooking dinner. Make things as simple as possible for yourself by arranging to have a pre-prepared meal post-surgery.
You can keep a frozen pizza, or another of your favorite ready-to-go meals, on hand for the day of your procedure or plan to eat leftovers. Heat and steam can come in contact with your eyes during cooking and may irritate your already sensitive eyes.
Because of this, it’s recommended that you leave the cooking for another day. You’ll be able to get back into the kitchen soon enough, and when you do, cooking will be easier than ever.
6. Keep Your Eye Drops in the Fridge
Your refrigerator isn’t just a place to store groceries. If you were thinking of keeping your post-surgery eye drops in the medicine cabinet, the Fridge might be a better place for them.
Your doctor will give you anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drops to use after getting LASIK. Many people will use these for several weeks to ensure proper healing, prevent infection, and maintain moisture in the eye.
Keep these drops in the Fridge for maximum comfort. In the same way that a cool glass of water is refreshing, chilled eye drops can be soothing to your eyes as they heal.
