While Maria wanted to undergo laser eye surgery because she was hell bent on improving her looks by discarding her spectacles, Peter was simply bored by the procedure of pushing glasses back up the bridge of his nose for thirty years of his life! So both of them, husband and wife, decided to undergo laser eye surgery. They were determined to equip themselves with all necessary information regarding their duties before and after the surgery and came to me for help. They thanked me for that information after they have recovered. Below is what I had taught them. Consult this guide; it will come to great help if you are also considering a laser eye surgery. Before Surgery If you have already taken the decision of undergoing laser surgery, first get your eyes evaluated by a doctor to know whether you make a good candidate at all. In case you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them at least two to three weeks before the consultation to get the right measurements. Inform the doctor about all your medical history and the medications you are currently on, and the medicines you are allergic to. After the initial examination is over, the doctor will let you know whether you are good candidate and what you should expect before, during and after the surgery. At this stage, you also ask the doctor questions to clear al your doubts and queries. On the day before surgery, stop applying the cosmetics like creams, lotions, makeup or perfumes, as the residue of these cosmetics increase the chances of infection. Doctors generally ask to keep the eyelashes clean by scrubbing for a period of time. An important thing is to arrange for a companion who would accompany you or drive you back to your home after the surgery is over. This is because, after surgery you will be under nerve soothing medication, that will impair your driving ability and also your vision may be slightly blurred just after the surgery. After surgery Immediately after the surgery the common sensation that most people experience is an itchy feeling, as if something has gone inside your eyes. The patients tend to rub their eyes in reflex, but be careful not to rub them. Your vision may be slightly hazy and your eyes may water. In some rare cases patients feel pain in their eyes. You may also experience sensitivity to light but that only lasts a matter of a few days. If things do not improve within a week, consult the doctor. You have to revisit your doctor within forty eight hours and the doctor will remove the eye shield, in addition to testing your vision. For at least six months, you have to see the doctor at regular intervals. At this stage you will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infections. For some time you have to keep away from putting on make up and also refrain from swimming and hot baths. It is a matter of three to six months for your vision to stabilize after surgery. The most important point to remember is if you notice any unusual symptoms, go to the doctor without any delay, otherwise it may lead to loss of vision. |
