Laser Surgery Pre-Operative Instructions
Dr. Demong and the staff of his Calgary Centre are committed to ensuring your surgical experience is as smooth and uneventful as possible. Specific instructions will be provided at the time of your preoperative consultation but the following general instructions will help you plan ahead for surgery:
- If you have been wearing contact lenses since your assessment, please remove them 2 full days prior to surgery
- Plan to take 3 - 4 days off work or school to allow sufficient time for initial recovery. Make sure your employer is aware that you will be undergoing Laser Eye Surgery.
- Contact your optometrist to notify him/her that you will be undergoing Laser Eye Surgery. Make arrangements for the first postoperative appointment at 1 week and discuss follow up fees.
- Make arrangements for a responsible adult to accompany you on the day of surgery and the first day afterward when you come for your postoperative appointment. You will not be able to drive during this period.
- It is important to cleanse surface bacteria from the eye area. We recommend refraining from wearing eye makeup for one full day prior to surgery and until your surgeon advises you that it is safe to resume, usually two weeks afterward.
- Do not plan activities or social engagements the evening of surgery. You will need to rest.
On the Day of Surgery,
- Follow your regular meal pattern. There is no need to fast or alter an existing medication schedule.
- Shower and shampoo your hair in the morning. Do not apply makeup or face creams.
- You will wear your own clothing during surgery so dress comfortably but we suggest avoiding pullovers.
- Plan for a 1 1/2 - 2 hour surgical appointment which will permit time for preoperative eye drops, reviewing instructions and answering your questions.
- You will be given prescriptions for antibiotic and mild steroid drops at the time of your surgery. Your companion can fill the prescription while you are undergoing surgery.
- Your companion should also pick up 1 package of preservative-free artificial tears, found in the contact lens department of most drug stores. We recommend a product called BionTears. Samples will be provided by the Centre as well.