When you must have eye surgery, you will be provided with instructions for pre-op and post-op care. These steps ensure that your surgery is successful and goes as planned. Much of the generalized advice applies to all surgeries; however, you might have to take additional steps depending on the type of surgery, such as surgery that treats cataracts.
Pre Op Care
Some instructions limit eating, drinking, and chewing, up to 24 hours before surgery, but your team will let you know if you can eat a light meal before surgery. You should also avoid using alcohol when anticipating eye surgery. On the day of your surgery, you should bathe and brush your teeth but avoid lotions and cosmetics, including perfume. Wear loose clothing that doesn't require pulling on or off over your head. Leave valuables and jewelry safe at home.
Some surgeries such as LASIK require you to stop wearing contacts before your surgery. Generally, you should stop wearing soft contacts a week before surgery, but two weeks for toric lenses and up to 3 weeks for gas-permeable lenses. If you can wear contacts before surgery, bring a case if you wear contacts because they will be removed prior to surgery.
If you take any medicines that encourage bleeding (blood thinners and aspirin are just two examples), your doctor may advise you to stop taking them prior to surgery.
You must be accompanied by an adult and have a driver or other travel arrangements once the surgery has completed. Most eye surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you do not have to stay at the facility after the procedure has completed.
Post Op Care
Post-operation eye care is just as important to ensure the success of your surgery.
- Do not rub or squeeze your eyes for 7 days
- Administer eye drops as advised
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, even if it's not an especially bright day
- Wear any provided eye shield as you sleep for the first three nights after surgery
- Avoid makeup and cosmetics for one week
- Do not use pools or hot tubs to avoid contaminated water for 7 days
- Refrain from sports for one week after your surgery
Some patients benefit from having help at home after their surgery.
It's normal for vision to be blurry after eye surgery. Cataract surgery can change the way colors appear to you. Expect mild itching and discomfort. If you experienced pain that cannot be controlled by pain medication, contact your doctor immediately. Remember to keep up with all post-op appointments, which allow your eye doctor to verify that your eyes are healing and that the procedure was a success through eye exams.
Find an Optometrist in Kirkland
Eye and Contact Lens Center operates in both cities. Call (425) 822-8204 to make an appointment.