How to Prepare for LASIK: Everything You Should Know

LASIK surgery has become a popular choice for those seeking to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Yes, it is challenging to depend on glasses or contact lenses because they are costly, uncomfortable, fragile, and inconvenient. 

While the LASIK procedure is safe and effective, you need proper preparation to achieve the best possible outcome. We’ve compiled a quick guide to take you through everything you should know to prepare for LASIK: 

Understand LASIK Surgery

Of course the best place to start is to understand what LASIK is all about. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is a popular refractive procedure that uses a precise laser to reshape your cornea, correct its refractive error, and consequently enhance your vision. This procedure is typically outpatient, quick, and has a high success rate.

Take the time to educate yourself about the LASIK procedure. Understand how it works, the potential risks and benefits, and what to expect during and after surgery. This will help alleviate any anxiety and ensure that you are fully prepared. There are many sources of credible information about LASIK that can prove invaluable as you prepare for this procedure. 

Discuss Your Expectations and Concerns with Your Surgeon

While it is good to expect the best possible outcome, don’t fear to raise any concerns or share your expectations with your surgeon. Of course, LASIK is a safe procedure and highly successful. However, it is important to discuss your expectations and concerns so that you can understand the limits and allow the surgeon to tailor the procedure to meet your needs. 

Use the consultation as an opportunity to discuss your expectations and any concerns you may have with your surgeon. 

Be honest about your lifestyle, activities, and goals for undergoing LASIK surgery. Your surgeon will listen and provide valuable insight to address any questions or uncertainties you may have.

Consult the Right Eye Specialist

One of the most important steps in preparing for LASIK is to schedule a consultation with an experienced eye specialist or ophthalmologist. You need to find an experienced and qualified eye specialist to assess and give you the right information regarding the procedure. 

Additionally, ensure the target medical facility has the relevant equipment and expertise to carry out a successful LASIK procedure. 

Reputable medical facilities will take you through a routine pre-examination. For example, before you undergo lasik at Kelly Laser, a surgeon will thoroughly examine your eyes to determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. The surgeon will consider critical factors such as your overall eye health and corneal thickness before deciding whether LASIK is the right prescription for you. 

This consultation is critical in the success of your LASIK procedure and you should never ignore it. 

Discontinue Contact Lenses and Follow Preoperative Instructions

If you wear contact lenses, you will need to stop wearing them for a specified period before your LASIK surgery. This is because contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea yet it is important to give your eyes time to return to their natural state before undergoing surgery. 

Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines on when to discontinue contact lens use based on the type of lenses you wear. Your surgeon will also give you a list of other preoperative instructions to follow in the days leading up to your LASIK surgery.  Make sure you obey these instructions for an effective outcome. 

Budget for Your LASIK Procedure  

The LASIK procedure requires finances and you have to be prepared to meet its budgeting needs.  Unfortunately in most cases, health insurance plans do not cover LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) procedures because they are considered elective surgeries for vision correction rather than medically necessary treatments. 

However, there are some instances where insurance coverage or financing options may be available for LASIK procedures. For example, some employers offer supplemental vision benefits or discount programs that may cover or partially reimburse the cost of LASIK surgery for employees. 

So, check with your employer’s benefits administrator to see if any LASIK benefits are available.

Generally speaking, budgeting for your LASIK procedure allows you to plan financially for the expenses involved in your surgery. You need to allocate funds specifically for this purpose to ensure that you have the necessary resources available when you decide to undergo the procedure.

While this procedure is not expensive, you might have to find sources of money for the surgery costs. Make sure you budget for everything to prevent any financial strain that may arise from unexpected medical expenses. 

Wrapping up

Preparing adequately for LASIK not only enhances the success of the procedure but also provides peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to care for your eyes and optimize your visual outcomes. Since LASIK is a surgical procedure, there is a lot of useful information you need before committing to it. This is why you should schedule a consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist or eye surgeon who specializes in LASIK surgery.

Image Source: Freepik