If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery may be the solution for clear, long-term vision. Procedures like LASIK and PRK offer life-changing results, but proper preparation is essential to ensure a successful outcome.
At Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary, our optometrists play a key role in evaluating your candidacy, preparing your eyes, and guiding you through the post-surgery recovery process. By understanding each step, you can feel confident in your decision and set yourself up for the best possible results.
Determining If You’re a Good Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser vision correction. Before you can undergo LASIK or PRK, a comprehensive eye exam is required to determine whether your eyes are healthy enough for surgery.
1. Your Eye Health Evaluation
During a pre-surgical consultation at Sunridge Eye Clinic, your Calgary optometrist will assess:
- Your prescription stability – Your vision must be stable for at least one year before surgery.
- Corneal thickness and shape – LASIK requires a certain corneal thickness, while PRK may be recommended for thinner corneas.
- Dry eye symptoms – Severe dry eye syndrome can affect healing, so treatment may be needed beforehand.
- Overall eye health – Conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal issues can impact eligibility.
If you are not a candidate for LASIK, other vision correction options, such as PRK or implantable lenses, may be available.
Pre-Surgery Preparation for Laser Eye Surgery in Calgary
Once you’ve been cleared for laser eye surgery, there are important steps to prepare your eyes and body to promote a smooth procedure and recovery.
2. Stop Wearing Contact Lenses Before Your Consultation
Contact lenses can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, which may affect pre-surgical measurements. Your optometrist will recommend that you:
- Stop wearing soft contact lenses at least one to two weeks before your exam.
- Stop wearing rigid gas permeable lenses at least four weeks before your evaluation.
This ensures that your corneal measurements are accurate, allowing for the best possible results.
3. Treat Any Eye Conditions Before Surgery
If you experience dry eye, allergies, or other eye conditions, your Calgary optometrist will recommend treatments to ensure your eyes are in optimal condition before surgery. Managing dry eyes before the procedure can significantly improve healing and comfort.
4. Adjust Medications and Lifestyle Habits
Before undergoing laser vision correction in Calgary, you may need to:
- Avoid certain medications that cause dry eye or affect healing.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to promote faster recovery.
- Arrange transportation for surgery day since you won’t be able to drive immediately after the procedure.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Most laser eye surgery procedures are quick and painless, with LASIK taking about 15 minutes per eye. You’ll be given numbing drops and may receive a mild sedative to help you feel comfortable.
After surgery, your vision may be blurry for a few hours, but most patients notice significant improvements within 24 hours. Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Follow-Up Care in Calgary
After your procedure, Sunridge Eye Clinic provides comprehensive follow-up care to monitor healing and ensure the best possible vision correction results.
5. Follow-Up Eye Exams to Ensure Proper Healing
Your first post-operative eye exam will usually take place the day after surgery to assess healing progress. Additional follow-ups are scheduled at one week, one month, and three to six months after the procedure.
Your Calgary optometrist will check for:
- Proper corneal healing
- Vision clarity and stability
- Signs of dry eye or inflammation
Long-Term Eye Care After Laser Eye Surgery
Even after a successful procedure, regular eye exams are important to maintain healthy vision. Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary offers ongoing eye care to help patients monitor changes in their vision and address any concerns.
- Use UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and UV rays.
- Stay hydrated and use lubricating eye drops if needed.
- Schedule annual eye exams to monitor long-term eye health.
Book a Pre-Surgical Consultation at Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary
Preparing for laser eye surgery requires careful planning and expert guidance. The Calgary optometrists at Sunridge Eye Clinic provide personalized consultations to help determine if you’re a good candidate, guide you through pre-surgery preparation, and offer follow-up care after your procedure.
If you’re ready to experience the freedom of clear vision without glasses or contacts, contact us to book a pre-surgical consultation today at Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary. Let us help you take the next step toward laser eye surgery success.
FAQ’s
Q: How long does laser eye surgery take?
A: The actual procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye, but plan for a few hours at the clinic, including prep and recovery.
Q: Does laser eye surgery hurt?
A: Numbing drops prevent pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild discomfort or dryness for a few days afterward.
Q: Is laser eye surgery permanent?
A: Yes, for most people. However, age-related changes (like presbyopia) may require reading glasses later in life. Contact us to book your laser eye surgery consultation.
