13 Eye Surgery Tips
Each eye surgery procedure and each eye surgery patient is unique. Despite the uniqueness of each procedure, there are a number of universal tips that can help you better prepare for your surgery and speed up your recovery time.
So here are 13 tips to help make your eye surgery procedure a successful one.
1) Take the extra time you need to find a reputable surgeon with extensive experience in your type of surgery.
- Finding the right doctor is the critical first step in the surgery process, and this it not a step you want to take lightly. Your eye surgery will only be successful if it is performed by a qualified medical professional. Selecting a doctor based on cost alone is rarely a good move since surgeons offering cheaper solutions usually do so because they are inexperienced in performing that type of surgery. Keep in mind that should complications arise, that having someone who knows how to quickly and effectively deal with the issue will prevent or minimize any damage done to your eye.
You'll also want to find out what kind of track record your doctor has, and how many procedures they have performed.
2) Thoroughly research the procedure you will be undergoing before signing any consent forms.
- This includes taking the time to ask your surgeon any questions you may have about the procedure. A good doctor will take the time to answer all of your questions as well as inform you of any potential risks and side-effects of the surgery. Take advantage of this and be sure you are fully comfortable with the procedure before you agree to undergo the surgery.
3) Follow all of the pre-operative procedures recommended by your doctor.
- Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain medications, foods, or activities (such as smoking and drinking alcohol) before undergoing eye surgery. These restrictions are put in place to ensure your eyes are in good condition for the procedure, giving you the best possible chance of having a successful surgery and a quick recovery. If you don't follow these restrictions you may put your health and the success of your surgery at risk.
4) Stop wearing contact lenses in advance of the surgery, as directed by your doctor.
- Since contact lens rest directly on your eye, they exert pressure on the cornea and can actually change the shape of your eye. This is an important consideration for individuals undergoing eye surgery, especially patients of refractive eye surgery to correct their vision. In order for the procedure to be successful, it is necessary to pinpoint those regions of the eye that need to be treated. If your eye is not in its normal natural shape or state, any attempts to correct visual impairments will not be successful. For this reason, surgeons will request that many eye surgery patients stop wearing contact lenses anywhere from two to four weeks prior to the procedure.
5) Get a good night’s sleep the night before the surgery.
- A well-rested patient is less likely to be unduly anxious and will recover more quickly than someone who is stressed and suffering from lack of sleep. Remember – adequate sleep is necessary to stay healthy, and this is especially true before surgery.
6) Make arrangements to have someone you trust drive you home from the surgery.
- Your vision will be blurry and you may be under the effects of a sedative after undergoing your eye surgery. Regardless of the type and extent of the procedure, patients are in no condition to drive immediately after eye surgery. Ensure your safety and well-being by arranging for a ride home in advance. If you aren't able to have a family member of friend drive you home, then take a taxi cab.
7) Know what side-effects you may experience before undergoing the procedure.
- Inquire about potential side-effects and make sure you know what to expect during the recovery period before you go in for the procedure. On your surgery day, you will likely be distracted and anxious and will not retain much information. It’s important to know what to look out for after your surgery so you can catch any potential problems before they can cause damage.
8) Call your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual side-effects.
- If you experience anything unusual or are concerned about how you are recovering from your procedure, contact your doctor immediately. Refer to the potential side-effects of the procedure as discussed above, and use these as your guidelines for what is normal and to be expected. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and call your doctor – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
9) Take all medication as prescribed.
- The medication prescribed by your surgeon is designed to speed the healing process and protect your eye from adverse side effects. Therefore, it is imperative that you take all medication as prescribed.
10) Avoid touching, rubbing, or bumping your eye while it is healing.
- Any direct contact with your eye while it is healing can result in damage to the eye and may result in severe complications. Wearing an eye shield as needed, especially while you are sleeping, can help you avoid contact with your eye.
11) Avoid makeup, lotions, and creams while your eye is healing.
- These items can interfere with the eye’s natural healing ability and prolong your recovery period.
12) Stay away from medications that can interfere with your body’s natural healing process, such as steroids.
- Some medications can prevent your eye from properly healing and delay the recovery process. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications you're on prior to surgery.
And last, but not least...
13) Give yourself time to recover from the surgery before jumping back into your busy life.
- Keep in mind that you are recovering from an invasive procedure. It will take some time before you start feeling like your normal self. Taking it easy for a few days will enable your body to rest and heal faster than it will if you subject it to unnecessary stress.
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