Getting ready for laser eye surgery can be stressful. But optometrists make it smoother. This blog breaks down how optometrists prepare their patients for laser eye surgery.
From detailed eye exams to setting clear expectations, you’ll learn the key steps involved in how optometrists prepare their patients for laser eye surgery.
Let’s dive in and see how we ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
How Optometrists Prepare Patients For Laser Eye Surgery: Pre-Surgery Eye Exams
Before any laser eye surgery (also known as LASIK) starts, we need to evaluate the current health of your eyes and review your medical history. At Morris Eye Group, we always put our patients’ health first. We start with various eye exams and vision tests.
Detailed Eye Health Assessment
We start by conducting several vision tests to get a clear picture of your current vision status. These tests can include:
- Snellen Chart Test: This measures how well you can see at various distances.
- Refraction Test: Use of a phoropter to determine the exact prescription needed for glasses or contact lenses.
Corneal Measurements
We use specialized equipment to measure corneal thickness and map the cornea’s shape:
- Pachymetry: This device measures the thickness of your cornea. It’s essential because your cornea needs to be thick enough for the surgery.
- Topography: This maps the surface of your cornea to identify any irregularities.
Eye Pressure Evaluation
Next, we check your eye pressure to rule out any underlying issues like glaucoma:
- Tonometry: Use of a tonometer to measure intraocular pressure. Elevated pressure can indicate glaucoma, which needs to be addressed before surgery.
Review of Medical and Eye Health History
Now it’s time to discuss any past eye conditions or surgeries to understand your eye health history. This includes:
- Cataracts: Previous surgeries may impact the type of laser eye surgery suitable for you.
- Retinal Issues: Conditions like retinal detachment need careful consideration.
Systemic Health Issues
It’s important to consider systemic health issues that could affect the surgery. For example, conditions like diabetes can impact healing:
- Blood Sugar Levels: Ensure diabetes is well-controlled to reduce the risk of complications.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can also affect healing.
Current Medications
We perform a thorough review of your current medications to identify any that may interfere with the surgery:
- Blood Thinners: Medications like aspirin or warfarin can increase bleeding risk.
- Steroids: These can affect healing and need to be discussed with the patient.
Dilated Eye Exam
We administer eye drops to dilate the pupils for a detailed internal eye exam. This step is crucial for a thorough examination:
- Wait Time: Allow 20-30 minutes for the drops to fully dilate the pupils.
Retina and Optic Nerve Examination
We examine the retina and optic nerve for any signs of disease or damage:
- Ophthalmoscope: This tool is used to look at the retina and optic nerve.
- Fundus Photography: Takes detailed images of the back of the eye to document any issues.
Contraindications
Contraindications are simply any condition that would make laser eye surgery risky for your overall health or eye health. We ensure there are no contraindications for laser eye surgery such as:
- Retinal Tears: Any retinal tears or detachments will need treatment before surgery.
- Macular Degeneration: Any signs of macular degeneration can affect surgery outcomes.
How to Prepare for Laser Eye Surgery: Pre-Surgery Restrictions
There are specific things we advise our patients to avoid before LASIK such as:
- No Contact Lenses: Stop wearing contact lenses at least two weeks before your surgery. They can change the shape of the cornea and affect measurements.
- Avoid Makeup: No eye makeup for at least 24 hours before surgery to avoid infections.
- No Alcohol: Avoid alcohol 24 hours before the procedure as it can dehydrate the eyes.
Preparing for Rest After Surgery
Laser eye surgery is serious and requires rest as in any major surgery. Patients need to plan for rest after surgery:
- Rest Duration: Plan for at least 24-48 hours of rest post-surgery. Full recovery can take a few weeks.
- Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
- Comfort Items: Have items like eye shields and artificial tears ready.
Patient Consultation for Laser Eye Surgery: Setting Expectations
One of the things we do here at Morris Eye Group is to take the time to make sure our patients fully understand all the steps involved in their surgery as well as what they can expect.
Explanation of the Procedure
Laser eye surgery, involves reshaping the cornea to correct vision. Here are the steps in the LASIK surgery process:
- Preparation: The eye is numbed with eye drops. A device holds the eyelids open.
- Corneal Flap Creation: A thin flap is made in the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. This flap is lifted to expose the cornea.
- Laser Reshaping: An excimer laser reshapes the cornea by removing tiny amounts of tissue. The laser is pre-programmed based on the patient’s eye measurements.
- Repositioning the Flap: The flap is carefully repositioned and acts as a natural bandage.
Types of Lasers and Techniques Used
There are different types of lasers and techniques in LASIK:
- Excimer Laser: Used for reshaping the cornea. This laser is precise and controlled by computer software.
- Femtosecond Laser: Used for creating the corneal flap. It is more precise than traditional methods.
Techniques include:
- Standard LASIK: Most common method.
- Custom LASIK: Tailored to the your eye shape. Uses wavefront technology for detailed mapping.
- Bladeless LASIK: Uses femtosecond laser for flap creation, reducing complications.
Expected Duration of the Procedure
The entire surgery usually takes about 30 minutes for both eyes. The actual laser reshaping takes only a few minutes per eye. Recovery time is quick, with most patients seeing improvement within 24 hours.
Risks and Benefits Discussion
Laser eye surgery patients should be aware of the following risks:
- Dry Eyes: Common after surgery, usually temporary.
- Flap Complications: Issues with the corneal flap can occur but are rare.
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection: Vision may not be perfect. Enhancement procedures can fix this.
- Halos and Glare: Some patients see halos around lights, especially at night.
- Infection: Rare but possible. Proper post-op care minimizes this risk.
Benefits and Success Rates
Laser eye surgery provides many benefits:
- Improved Vision: Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
- Quick Recovery: Vision improves within hours, and most activities can be resumed the next day.
- Long-term Results: Results are typically stable and long-lasting.
Success rates are high, with over 95% of patients satisfied with the outcome.
Short-term and Long-term Outcomes
Short-term:
- Improved vision within 24 hours.
- Temporary side effects like dry eyes and glare.
Long-term:
- Stable vision improvement.
- Reduced need for glasses or contact lenses.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Each patient’s eye condition is unique. This is why we customize your surgery plan factoring in things such as:
- Eye Measurements: Detailed mapping of the eye using wavefront technology.
- Patient’s Lifestyle: Considering your activities and needs.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like dry eyes or thin corneas might require special techniques.
Pre-existing Conditions
Certain conditions can affect surgery outcomes such as:
- Dry Eyes: May need treatment before surgery.
- Thin Corneas: Might require advanced techniques like PRK instead of LASIK.
- High Prescriptions: Custom LASIK may be more effective.
Follow-up Care Plan
A comprehensive follow-up care plan includes:
- Immediate Post-op Visit: Typically within 24-48 hours.
- Regular Check-ups: At 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
- Ongoing Care: Annual eye exams to monitor long-term health.
We give our patients a clear, easy-to-understand schedule along with contact information should you have any concerns or questions.
Pre-Operative Instructions for Laser Eye Surgery: Essential Preparations
As stated earlier, there are things we advise our LASIK patients to do, including guidelines on diet, medications, and supplements, and how to prepare physically and mentally for laser eye surgery.
We start by looking over the patients’ prescribed and over-the-counter medications such as:
- Anticoagulants and Blood Thinners: These include aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel. They can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. We will provide a specific timeframe for discontinuation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen should also be avoided as they can affect healing.
- Certain Herbal Supplements: Supplements like ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginseng can thin the blood. Discontinue these at least one week before surgery.
Dietary Recommendations
- Fasting Guidelines: You may be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the surgery. This means no eating or drinking, except for small sips of water if necessary.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water the day before the surgery to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you.
Other Over-the-Counter Medications and Supplements
- Avoid Decongestants: Medications like pseudoephedrine can increase blood pressure, which is not ideal before surgery.
- Multivitamins: We ask patients to let us know about all your multivitamin regimens. Some vitamins might interfere with medication or the surgical process.
Day-of-Surgery Preparations
The day of your surgery is here. Now you need to know how to prepare for this most important day:
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid clothes that need to be pulled over your head.
- Essential Items: Bring your ID, insurance information, and any paperwork provided by your Morris Eye Group during your pre-surgical appointments. You may also want to bring a pair of sunglasses to wear after the surgery.
Transportation Arrangements
- No Driving: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery center. The anesthesia and the procedure itself will impair your ability to drive.
- Support Person: Having a friend or family member with you can provide emotional support and help you navigate post-surgery logistics.
Pre-Surgery Hygiene
- Avoid Makeup and Lotions: Do not wear any eye makeup, facial lotions, or perfumes on the day of the surgery. These can interfere with the surgical process.
- Facial Hygiene: Wash your face thoroughly with a mild soap and water before heading to the surgery center.
Mental and Emotional Preparation
We’ve often seen our patients experience anxiety right before laser eye surgery. It’s completely normal to be nervous. Knowledge is the destroyer of anxiety so we encourage our patients to address their concerns openly.
Addressing Concerns and Questions
- Open Communication: Encourage patients to ask any questions they might have. Common questions include the duration of the surgery, what to expect during recovery, and potential risks.
- Written Questions: Suggest writing down questions beforehand to make sure nothing important is forgotten.
Relaxation Techniques
- Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Mindfulness: Consider mindfulness techniques such as guided meditation or listening to calming music.
Scheduling a Support Person
- Emotional Support: Having a trusted person with you can significantly reduce anxiety. They can also help with instructions and make sure you get home safely.
- Post-Surgery Care: This person can help with picking up medications and help you settle in at home.
By following these steps, we ensure that our patients are well-prepared for laser eye surgery. This reduces stress and improves the chances of a smooth, successful procedure.
Ready for Laser Eye Surgery With Morris Eye Group?
These key steps tell you how optometrists prepare patients for Laser Eye Surgery. These steps include comprehensive eye exams, detailed medical history, dilated eye exams, patient consultation, and pre-operative instructions.
Understanding these steps helps you feel confident and prepared. Good preparation leads to better outcomes and a smoother recovery.
If you want to know if you’re a candidate for LASIK, or if you want to speak with our team, make an appointment with us today.
