If you’ve already been wearing glasses or contact lenses for years, you may sometimes wonder if there will come a day when you don’t have to rely on them to see clearly. You can experience this when you get LASIK surgery.
Laser in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a type of surgery that corrects the vision of people who are farsighted or nearsighted. It’s a popular choice among those who want to avoid using glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.
A leading ophthalmologist in Dubai explains that one of the most significant benefits of LASIK is its long-lasting results. After a successful surgery, most patients experience improved vision for years without additional treatment.
Even though it’s considered surgery, LASIK is a painless and quick procedure, usually taking only 15 minutes per eye. Most patients also experience minimal discomfort during recovery.
Another benefit offered by this procedure is the almost immediate improvement in eyesight. Many patients experience clearer vision within just 24 hours after the procedure.
How to Prepare for LASIK Surgery
If you have already consulted an ophthalmologist and are considered a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery in Dubai, the next step is to prepare well for the procedure. Doing so can help you avoid pre-surgery jitters and pave the way for a smooth recovery.
Below are some tips that can help you prepare for your LASIK surgery:
1. Ask about the eye specialist’s LASIK experience.
Whether your ophthalmologist or a specialist they recommend will handle the surgery, you should know their background to feel comfortable and confident about the procedure.
Set an appointment with your doctor and get details about their qualifications, training, and experience in LASIK. Ask them about the last time they performed the surgery and how it went.
Once you have details about your surgeon’s credentials, verify them online. Read client reviews about them as well.
If your specialist has been performing LASIK surgery for at least three years and regularly undergoes training to upskill themselves, you’ve found a good, reliable eye doctor.
2. Know the risks of LASIK.
Although you may already have a good idea about what LASIK is, you need to understand everything involved in the procedure to know what you’re getting into.
LASIK is a procedure that involves the use of a laser to reshape the cornea to correct your vision. As mentioned, it is a quick and generally painless procedure, but like any surgery, it comes with some risks.
Some patients may experience dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights, particularly at night, post-surgery. These side effects are often temporary but may persist in some cases.
LASIK has a high success rate, but there’s also a small chance that the surgery might not fully correct your vision. This means you may need further adjustments or even glasses later on.
Have your specialist explain these risks to you since they differ for each patient. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and the condition of your eyes before recommending LASIK, so they can discuss the possible issues that may come up before and after your procedure.
By having a thorough discussion with your surgeon, you’ll know what to expect and weigh the benefits against the risks of getting LASIK treatment. This will help you feel more comfortable with your decision.
3. Avoid wearing contact lenses before surgery.
If you wear contacts, your ophthalmologist will ask you to stop using them and switch to eyeglasses before the procedure. Doing so allows your cornea to return to its natural shape and stability, so your doctor can get precise corneal measurements.
If you wear soft lenses, avoid using them a week prior to the surgery. You need to swap your toric lenses with your eyeglasses three weeks before the procedure.
You should stop wearing hard or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses several months before your scheduled surgery. Your specialist can provide you with the exact period for this.
Regardless of which type of contact lenses you wear, remember to avoid sleeping without removing them at least three weeks before the surgery.
4. Create a post-LASIK plan.
Having a post-surgery plan for your LASIK procedure can ensure a smooth and stress-free recovery.
Your plan should include the following:
- Arrange for someone to drive you home since your vision may be blurry immediately after the surgery.
- Request for time off from work so you can have at least one to three days to recuperate and allow your vision to stabilise.
- Ask your doctor for the specific eye drops and medications you need post-surgery and buy them beforehand so you have everything ready when you return home.
- Set up a relaxing space where you can rest after the surgery. Make sure you have a table nearby where you can place your eye drops and sunglasses. You’ll need these to protect your eyes from bright light.
- Look for and save audiobooks or podcasts on your device for entertainment since you’ll need to avoid looking at screens for a while.
A well-thought-out plan can make all the difference in your post-LASIK experience, so work on this before the surgery.
5. Stay hydrated.
Before your surgery, drink more water; at least eight glasses daily. By increasing your water intake, your body will be more hydrated, which can help with the post-LASIK healing process.
Moreover, temporary dry eye syndrome is a common side effect of LASIK surgery. Drinking more water helps keep your eyes lubricated and minimises discomfort.
However, avoid coffee and other caffeinated and sugary drinks. These beverages might make it difficult for you to sleep, which you need plenty of post-surgery.
Your ophthalmologist will likely instruct you to use lubricating, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory eye drops a day before the procedure. Make sure you follow their instructions to ensure everything goes as planned during and after LASIK surgery.
6. Avoid skincare products, cosmetics, and uncomfortable clothes.
On the day of your surgery, avoid wearing makeup, facial cream, perfume, and lotion since they can irritate your eyes. They can also interfere with the procedure.
Head to the clinic or treatment centre with a washed, clean face to avoid any complications.
Also, wear comfy clothes on the day of the procedure. Choose loose, airy ones that are easy to remove and won’t touch your eyes. Skip chunky accessories and jewellery as well since you’ll be asked to remove them anyway.
LASIK surgery can improve your eyes and quality of life. When you’re well-prepared for the procedure, you can start experiencing its benefits shortly after the surgery.
