Authored by: Dr. Fareed Ali
You can’t wait for the day when you can roll out of bed and read your alarm clock without squinting. It’s understandable; wearing contacts or glasses can be an expensive and cumbersome hassle. Thanks to LASIK, you are just a few steps away from being free of the burden. Leading up to the surgery, there are a few steps our doctors at OCC LASIK will take to ensure you have a smooth and successful procedure.
Initial Consultation
We want to make your procedure about you through giving you individual attention. You will schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors, during which several things will happen:
- The doctor will check your current prescription
- The doctor will examine the shape of your cornea as well as the health of your retina
- A WaveScan of your eye will be conducted, capturing the measurements and imperfections of your eye
These tests will not hurt you nor should they be challenging. They are used to ensure that your eyes are a good fit for the procedure. With our advanced technology, most people who are at least 21 years old and in good health can take advantage of LASIK. However, our doctors will thoroughly analyze the results of these tests to ensure you will have a successful surgery.
Ditch the Contacts
One of the first things our doctors will tell you is that you will not be able to wear your contacts for up to three to four weeks before your baseline evaluation. This is because contact lenses can actually change the shape of your cornea even weeks after you have stopped wearing them. You should consider switching to wearing your glasses full-time, as doing otherwise may mean:
- You will not get accurate eye measurements
- The surgical plan developed will not be accurate, resulting in poor vision after the procedure
- The measurements may need to be repeated
Some Other Tips
There are a few other things you can do to prepare for your procedure. For example, make sure you let your physician know about any eye conditions you currently have or that you have had in the past. Additionally, if you are taking any medication, it is important that your doctor is aware, regardless of if it is an over-the-counter or prescription. Lastly, be sure to ask your doctor about all the risks and benefits of having LASIK so you can make an informed decision about your procedure.
We at OCC LASIK want to make sure you have the most rewarding experience possible. Through helping you sufficiently prepare for the big day, our doctors will give you the personal attention you need for a successful procedure.