The success of any surgical procedure is not just dependent on the experience and expertise of the surgeon. Because every patient and their eyes are unique, careful preoperative examinations are critical in developing a surgical plan for each patient. If you have been wearing contact lenses, you will need to keep them out for a period of time before your evaluation and surgery. This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape. This is critically important for the success of your LASIK surgery. The following is recommended for obtaining accurate measurements of your eyes.
- Spherical soft contact lens wearers - Contacts must be out for 7 days
- Toric soft contact lens wearers - Contacts must be out for 14 days
- Gas permeable contact lens wearers - Contacts must be out for a minimum of 6 weeks. Our "rule of thumb is to discontinue lenses one month for each decade of contact lense wear.
- Hard contact lens wearers - Contacts must be out for 3 months
The doctors at Dishler Laser Institute will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. The thickness, shape and individual characteristics of your cornea will be measured with the new Bausch & Lomb Zywave Wavefront Diagnostic System. Your prescription stability, pupil size, tear film quality and ocular health will also be evaluated. You will also be asked to read and sign a Patient Education Checklist to determine if your expectations are in line with the results that can be expected from laser vision correction.
If you and your doctor determine you are a good candidate and you wish to proceed, you will be given a packet of information, including pre-operative and post-operative instructions, Consent for Surgery form, and a Patient Information Handbook. This handbook will provide details on the potential benefits and risks of LASIK surgery, including adverse effects and complication rates. This should be read thoroughly before your decision to have surgery. The entire staff is always available to answer any questions you may have prior to your surgery.
As with any surgery, there are detailed instructions you must follow in preparation for your LASIK treatment. Conscientiously following these instructions will greatly contribute to the successful outcome of your surgery.
- We request that all patients eat a light meal at least 30 minutes prior to arriving for surgery.
- You are encouraged to drink clear fluids, such as juice and water, the morning before surgery - no alcohol please.
- Please continue to take, and bring with you, any medications that have been prescribed for you.
- For your comfort please wear loose and casual clothing. The surgery room is about 68 degrees - so wear layers if you think you may be cold.
- All female patients are asked not to wear mascara or eyeliner on the day of surgery, as it is often difficult to remove and could get into the eye during surgery.
- Likewise, scented facial creams should not be worn.
- For your protection do not wear earrings or facial jewelry.
- If you know you have an allergy to latex please inform the nurse prior to surgery.
- Because the laser is very sensitive to odors and vapors of all kinds, the following products should not be worn to surgery.
- Hairspray, scented mousse, hair gels
- Perfumes, cologne, aftershave or scented body lotions of any kind.
- Also, to remove any trace of these products, you should shower or bathe prior to surgery.
- Most importantly, please remember to have a responsible adult available to take you home after your surgery. You are not allowed to drive yourself home.
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