Almost everyone is going to be a tad nervous the day of his/her LASIK eye surgery; however, by following the instructions given by the ophthalmologist about preparing for eye surgery the patient can be sure that the operation will be as quick and painless as possible. Most LASIK eye surgery is a relatively short procedure in the doctor’s office or in a day surgery facility. Preparing for the eye surgery though may begin several days in advance.

One of the most important pre-operative steps to take is ensuring proper post operative care. After eye surgery the patient will need a way to get home. He/she should also be prepared to be at home for two/three days. It is imperative not to wear make-up to the actual surgery. The unseen grit from make-up can fall into the eye and lead to infections; therefore, patients should also refrain from make-up application for twenty-four to seventy-two hours prior to eye surgery. The same time guideline holds true for drinking alcohol; no alcoholic beverages for at least two, preferably three days prior to the operation. Alcohol based hair care products are also forbidden as are perfume and lotion. Wear loose clothing that doesn’t produce static or lint. As long as the surgeon has been fully informed about any medications which the patient may be taking and has approved their continued use, it is alright to take them the day of the surgery along with a light meal.

Prior to eye surgery the eye needs to lose any shape it may have acquired from wearing contact lenses. If a person wears hard contact lenses stop wearing them four weeks prior to the scheduled operation. Patients who wear gas permeable contact lenses should stop wearing them three weeks before surgery. People who wear soft contact lenses need to discontinue wearing them three to five days before surgery.

Once a person has prepared him/herself for the practical points of eye surgery it may also be necessary to prepare for the unnerving emotional and psychological affects of eye surgery. LASIK eye surgery generally takes thirty minutes or less during which time the eye area will have been numbed with eye drops. Discomfort will be minor. Most people report a scratching or pressure sensation rather than pain. Still, LASIK eye surgery is performed while the patient is awake. A surgical instrument called a speculum will be used to hold the eyelid open; this can be unnerving for some people. There may a slight burning smell when the laser corrects the shape of the cornea. LASIK eye surgery also requires that the patient be able to stare without blinking for more than a minute at a time. While these factors can be discomfiting they last for an extremely brief period.

So, once the ophthalmologist has ascertained that a person is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery it’s important to understand the steps needed to get ready for the big day. Most of preparing for eye surgery is simple, straightforward and much like preparing for any other medical procedure. There are some moments during the eye surgery though which may be disconcerting; however, if a person has discussed the procedure with his/her doctor and knows what to expect these moments will pass quickly.