How to Prepare for Eye Surgery

While thousands of people successfully undergo eye surgery every day, it feels different when you’re the one who has to go through it. The key to making the experience as stress-free as possible is to keep yourself informed. Know what to expect throughout the process and you’ll be able to face your procedure with confidence.

Preparing for Your Eye Surgery

Take the proper steps to prepare for your eye surgery and you’ll feel prepared and comfortable when you arrive. In the weeks or days prior to your procedure, you’ll want to read all the materials your surgeon has provided you, if relevant. This will give you more information regarding what to expect from the procedure and what recovery will look like.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you might be advised to stop wearing them in the weeks leading up to the procedure. This is to ensure that your corneas are stable.

As eye surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, you’ll need to arrange transportation for yourself to and from your appointment. Although your vision may be fine immediately upon leaving the office, you shouldn’t drive until after your surgeon has had a chance to check your vision at your follow-up appointment.

The night before your surgery, write down any last-minute questions you might have and bring them to your appointment. Wash off any makeup and lotions from the area around your eyes, and flush any debris from your eyes using artificial tears.

The Day of Your Eye Surgery

Be prepared to arrive about 30 minutes early for your procedure just in case you need to fill out any last-minute paperwork or have any questions for your surgeon. Our office will be happy to help with anything you need.

You won’t need to change into a gown for your eye surgery, but you should dress comfortably. Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid jewelry or makeup of any sort. Also avoid using products such as perfume, lotion, aftershave, or moisturizing cream to minimize scents.

Depending on the type of surgery you are receiving and your medical history, you may need to avoid food or drink before the procedure. You may also be asked to take specialized eye drops in preparation for your surgery. You will receive more specific instructions regarding eating and drinking guidelines in the days leading up to your surgery. Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications or medical conditions that you have so that they can plan accordingly.

Eye Surgery Recovery

Many patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after their eye surgery procedure, but there are several precautions you should follow as your eyes recover. Don’t drive until your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so. Refrain from exercise, heavy lifting, or any other strenuous activities for several weeks after your surgery. Avoid swimming, wearing makeup, or rubbing your eyes to prevent infection. Follow your doctor’s orders regarding any antibiotic medication and anti-inflammatory eye drops. This helps ensure proper healing.

Side effects from eye surgery are extremely rare, but they can happen. In the unlikely event that you experience persistent pain despite using over-the-counter medications, problems with nausea or excessive coughing, light flashes, or vision loss, contact your doctor immediately.

Choose an Eye Surgery Center You Can Trust

At Siedlecki Cataract & Vision Care, we offer several kinds of eye surgery procedures to treat different conditions. With three offices in Amherst, Williamsville, and Orchard Park, we are ideally located to serve patients from throughout the greater Buffalo, NY area. Our doctors will keep you fully informed of what to expect throughout the process. Simply reach out to our office with any questions or concerns you might have. We will be happy to assist you!