6 Tips For Preparing For LASIK
August 26th, 2024
Deciding to get LASIK is the first step on your journey to clear vision without glasses or contacts. It’s exciting to imagine all of the things you will be able to enjoy in high-definition after the procedure.
However, before you schedule your procedure, it’s important to educate yourself about what LASIK entails and how you should prepare beforehand.
Keep reading to learn more about 6 tips for preparing for LASIK.
1. Find the Right LASIK Surgeon
Before committing to LASIK, make sure you’re booking with an experienced, highly qualified LASIK surgeon. You can ask for referrals from your current eye doctor or people you know who have had laser vision correction procedures.
Once you find a LASIK surgeon, you can ask them about their training, credentials, and board certifications. They may also feature testimonials from previous patients on their website that you can reference to see how others would rate their experience.
2. Attend Your LASIK Consultation
You must see your ophthalmologist at Laser Eye Center for a LASIK consultation before the procedure. This appointment is an essential step in the LASIK process because it allows your LASIK surgeon to assess your candidacy and plan out your procedure.
They will review your medical history, discuss your visual goals, and thoroughly examine your eyes. This allows them to assess what changes they will make to the shape of your cornea to give you the best possible result of your LASIK procedure.
If you do not have a LASIK consultation, you cannot have LASIK, as your ophthalmologist needs to ensure the procedure is right for you.
3. Plan for Payment
LASIK is considered an elective procedure, so most insurance plans will not pay for it. You will be responsible for the cost of the procedure.
However, there are various financing options that can make LASIK more affordable. You can use FSA funds to pay for LASIK, which may require planning ahead to set aside funds and schedule the procedure within a specific time frame.
You can also arrange financing through different companies that help with medical costs. Your eye doctor’s office will have more information about payment plans specific to their practice.
4. Arrange a Ride
You won’t be able to drive yourself home after your procedure, so you will need someone to accompany you. If you are unsure whether a friend or loved one can drive you, ask your eye doctor’s office about their cabs or ride-share policies.
They may be able to help you make arrangements. In addition, you will need a ride to and from your first follow-up appointment the day after your procedure.
5. Prepare for Your Recovery
LASIK recovery is usually quick and easy. However, you may still have a day or two where your eyes may feel sore or gritty, and your vision could be blurry.
You should not plan to drive, exercise, or go to work until your ophthalmologist clears you to resume these activities. You will likely be cleared at your first follow-up appointment as long as your eyes are healing properly.
You will need prescription eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation after LASIK. Your eye doctor may be able to write your prescription before your procedure so you can pick up your medication beforehand.
6. Manage Expectations
While you can expect to notice improvements in your vision very soon after LASIK, you may not experience peak visual clarity for several months. Your vision will likely gradually improve over time before reaching your best vision.
If you still need glasses for certain activities, you should wait at least six weeks to order a new prescription. Your eye doctor can help you determine if your vision has stabilized and answer any questions about what to expect during the months after LASIK.
Do you want to learn more about how LASIK could improve your vision? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!
