Shining a Light on Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery refers to a group of different procedures that are designed to help reduce the effect refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can have on your vision.
It is imperative to note that laser eye surgery does not guarantee 20/20 vision. Many patients still find they need glasses or contact lenses to make the most of their vision after surgery.
You will have a consultation before you are approved for laser eye surgery. On top of providing you with information about which type of surgery might suit you best, consultations also include comprehensive eye exams.
The type of surgery you have will depend on your eye health, the scope of your refractive error, and the goals you have for your vision. Things like pupil size and conditions caused by dry eye or ocular diseases can impact your eligibility for surgery.
If you are approved to have surgery, there are a couple of things you need to do before the surgery:
- Please make sure you have arranged reliable transportation for a couple of days after the surgery, as you will not be able to drive.
- Please make sure you book a few days off of work or school following the surgery to allow your eyes to heal.
- You will likely need to stop wearing contact lenses for a few days before the operation. Some contact lenses reshape your cornea, which can affect the overall outcome of the surgery.
- Please wear lint-free clothing to the operation. Clothes made of wool and fleece can attract dust and lint particles that can affect the surgery’s outcome.
- Please do not wear perfumes or fragrances that contain alcohol to the surgery. Alcohol can irritate your eyes and affect the operation.
- Please do not wear any eye makeup.
Following the surgery, your eye care team will provide you with a recovery plan to follow for a couple of weeks. Parts of this plan may include:
- Specialty sunglasses to mitigate light sensitivity
- Eye drops to soothe irritation and dry eyes
- A series of follow-up appointments with your optometrist to ensure your eyes are healing correctly.