Jeff's LASIK Diary

Suggestions for Preparing for Surgery

A recent thread ran at Dr. Walman's bulletin board on how one should prepare for the actual Lasik surgery. The following summarizes the initial questions and the ensuing answers. I thank those that responded to question, as there was some excellent advice.

Do I need sunglasses and which do you recommend?

Yes, you will need sunglasses. The primary factor is that the sunglasses be the wrap-around type to help protect your eyes not just from the sun, but from dust and debris kicked up by wind. Many laser centers will supply you with such a pair, but you should call in advance to see if this is the case with your particular doctor. These types of sunglasses might not appear “cool”, but for the first few days you should really wear them as you do not want sand or dust in your eyes.

Best eye drops?

People either have a favorite or they use whatever they can find. Common brands are GenTeal, Thera Tears, Refresh Plus, Refresh Tears, Tears Naturale II, Cellufresh, Refresh PM ointment and even their left-over saline solution from when they wore contacts. Some drops come in small one-time use vials (very expensive) or in small 1 ounce bottles. Doctors will recommend the vials as there may be a smaller risk of infection, but with your eyes being exposed to the atmosphere and all sorts of floating bacteria, I think the risk of using a multi-use bottle is negligibly higher than the vials. Some have had to try a number of different brands to find one that works best for them. Should you find you suffer from dry lays post-Lasik, then try some of these different brands or come back to the bulletin boards and ask for help.

Best place to pick up reading glasses, if needed?

Shoppers Drug Mart, Costco (a pack of 3 glasses about $15), any drug store (about $15), the flea market (2 for $4) or a dollar store ($1). Wait until after surgery to get them as you may very well not need them and, if you do, you won’t know what strength to get. As your eyes may have different amounts of farsightedness, you might need to get two pairs and switch out lenses to get the correct power that each individual eye needs. Some have said that Sam’s can fill a doctor’s eyeglass prescription, inserting new lenses in your old frames, for much less than the eyeglass chains will. Or, some flea markets have opticians that have quality service at low prices. I recommend going the cheap route until your eyes have settled down, at which point - if you need them - you can get a decent pair ordered from your doc's prescription.

Best way to prepare for Lasik?

The best advice is to eat a light breakfast (or lunch, depending upon the time of surgery); drink no coffee or anything with caffeine in it (e.g tea or cola); try to relax and keep your mind off of the surgery; be sure to have conversed with other people that have had the surgery so you know what to expect, and have confidence in your doctor. (The day of the surgery is a bad time to start having second thoughts!) Some people recommended taking Valium (generally offered just prior to surgery) while others say not to, so that remains a personal decision. (I think if you feel really nervous, go on and take it. If not, ask if you can keep the tablet to take later to help you relax and sleep when you get home.) Of course, you will need someone to give you a ride home (don’t even think about driving yourself after the surgery regardless of whether you took Vallium or not).

What should I buy or have ready before I go?

Have all of your prescriptions filled. (Generally, you will get a prescription for antibiotic eye drops in advance, and the laser center will then give you a vial of steroid drops. Not sure why they give out one but not the other, and your center may give out both or neither - ask in advance.) Get your lubricating eye drops (the center may give you some, but they are not enough to last more than a day or two); dress warmly as the laser room is cool; and have a supply of pain medication (i.e. Tylenol).

Other suggestions are to have a pair of swimming goggles – pre-adjusted to fit – to help keep water out of your eyes when taking a shower and having a clean washcloth handy to clean out the gunk the next morning. (For me, I just closed my eyes real tight and had no problems.) Others recommended instilling lubricating drops right before showering, and again afterwards. Also, some good suggestions were to have a radio, music or books on tape to listen to while you waste away the hours that first day when you really need to keep your eyes closed and rested.

Activities to avoid during the first couple days after lasik?

"Everything you can except the radio" was one all encompassing suggestion of things to avoid. Others listed even lightly strenuous activities and any outdoor activities for the first few days to a week. While I would agree with this for the first day, after that most people will have little trouble. The main worry is that one will rub their eyes and dislodge the flap. One item not broached on the public boards, but which is commonly thought about, is if sex should be a banned activity. I nearly asked the surgeon about that, figuring I could crack her up with the question, but with others present, including my wife who would have killed me, I didn’t. But, my own thoughts are, with nothing else to do, why not? Just lay back, keep your eyes closed and let the spouse do all the work!

Suggestions on vitamin supplements?

There were few suggestions, but those that wrote listed taking a good multi-vitamin such as Centrum; Bilberry with lutein; beta-carotene and vitamins A and E.

Other suggestions or advice on going into home the stretch?

Go for a long nap directly afterwards, and take the rest of the week easy. Taking off from work for a few days was suggested or, if you use the computer, to maybe turn the brightness down to reduce glare. Use plenty of lubricating eye drops (every hour or two at least); take naps, go easy with up close work; be prepared the first night for some mild to moderate discomfort - burning sensation and grittiness (some people, but not all experience this). Also, keep a positive attitude, be patient, and try not to compare your new vision on a daily basis as it will drive you crazy (good advice, but you will do it anyway). Another good suggestion is to not over-tape the "ant eyes" (the eye shields you get to protect your eyes at night – you will know when you get them). Just two small strips of tape should do it (the laser center should supply surgical tape) for each shield. (I found peeling off the tape to be the most painful part of the entire surgery!)

Finally, be sure to have realistic expectations from your surgery. Remember, the doctors tell you that Lasik will help "reduce" your need for glasses or contacts. You may not see well right after surgery and may have to have an enhancement or still end up having to wear glasses, though they will at least be thinner, or contacts. We've all been through it, so if you have any more questions, you know where we are. And remember, any little inconvenience in the healing process is definitely worth it.

I hope these suggestions are of benefit!

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This page last updated on June 17, 2002