Are you having eye surgery? No surgery is fun, but an eye procedure can be particularly concerning. Fortunately, many surgical procedures are done using laser technology, reducing healing times. Still, you only get one pair of eyes, so it’s important to pamper yourself while you recover. To help you prepare, we’ve listed out five important things to know before your procedure.
1. Follow Your Pre-Surgery Instructions
Discuss pre-surgery instructions with your surgeon. Some procedures require you to stop wearing your contacts so that the shape of the cornea is not altered. Your surgeon may also ask that you not wear makeup, lotion or perfume as these products raise the risk for infection.
2. Take Your Medications According to Schedule
If you are prescribed a pain medication, take it as recommended by your doctor. Some people try to refuse these medications, but it’s important to get ahead of your pain. Plus, it’s much easier to get rest when you are comfortable, which helps the healing process. Eye drops are also common after surgery as they prevent infection and speed up the healing process.
3. Wear Your Post-Operative Sunglasses
Many surgeries require you to wear post-operative sunglasses when you’re outdoors or driving. Your eyes will be more sensitive to sunlight, so wearing these sunglasses will make you more comfortable while also protecting your eyes. If you don’t have post-operative sunglasses, continue wearing your regular sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
4. Follow Your Post-Surgery Instructions
Your recovery time depends on what you had surgery for and the type of incision made. Usually, the first week is most critical and requires you to avoid activities that may cause stress to the eye such as heavy lifting, bending or exercising. You’ll have to avoid swimming and keep your eyes closed while bathing or showering to prevent contaminants from entering the eyes.
5. Have Someone to Drive You
After your surgery, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Your eyes will be sensitive, and you may be groggy from the anesthesia. Be sure to have someone available to drive you home after surgery. You’ll also need to take a few days off work because your vision will be blurry, your eyes will be sensitive and you need to heal. So, use this time to stay home and relax – it probably doesn’t happen often!
Advancements have been made in eye surgery, making it safer and more effective than ever before. However, it’s still surgery, so follow your doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions and be prepared to take some downtime for yourself.