Pre and Post Surgical Eye Care St. Michael
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All You Need to Know
Planning corrective eye surgery or dealing with an eye condition that requires it can feel overwhelming. At Art of Optiks, we’re here to make the process easier and more reassuring from the moment you begin planning through your recovery. We work side-by-side with your surgeon to give you peace of mind—offering clear guidance, straightforward instructions, and high-quality care before and after your procedure. We know that both preparation and follow-up are critical, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Our approach centers on you—your needs, your comfort, and your vision goals. Whether you’re getting ready for surgery or focusing on recovery, our experienced team takes time to understand your unique situation. By combining expertise with compassion, we ensure you feel informed, confident, and cared for at every stage of your journey.
Pre-Surgical Care
A successful surgery begins long before you step into the operating room. Our doctors provide thorough pre-operative evaluations to confirm you’re a good candidate and to identify any potential concerns. With careful preparation and ongoing monitoring, we set the foundation for the best surgical results possible.
Cataracts
Once your cataract surgery is scheduled, following your pre-surgical plan is key. During your visit, we’ll go over your current medications and may recommend pausing certain ones—like blood thinners or prostate medications—to keep surgery day safe and smooth.
- Stop wearing contacts two weeks before surgery
- Bring a driver to your appointment
- Fast for a minimum of twelve hours before surgery if being sedated
- Use pre-operative eye drops three days before surgery
- Wash hair the morning of surgery if needed
On the day of your procedure, we’ll take precise measurements to select the right intraocular lens for your vision needs. This step also helps confirm you’re ready for surgery and ensures sedation will be administered without complications. Careful planning means you can move into surgery with confidence.
Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma can silently damage your optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. It’s caused by increased intraocular pressure from fluid buildup in the eye. Treatment options may include shunts or implants, trabeculectomy, or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Before surgery, we’ll perform a full pre-operative assessment to ensure everything is in place for a safe procedure.
- Stop taking any blood thinners or flagged prescription medications
- Take prescription antibiotic eye drops leading up to surgery
- Limit food and beverages starting at midnight the day before your surgery
- Bring a driver to your appointment
- No make-up, moisturizers, or jewelry
- Comfortable loose clothing
When surgery day arrives, we’ll make sure you’ve followed every preparation step and are in the best possible condition for treatment.
LASIK
LASIK requires an understanding of the procedure, its risks, and its benefits so you can make the most informed decision. While your initial consultation covers your eye health and lifestyle, a final exam ensures you’re a candidate for surgery. To prepare for your LASIK procedure, follow these steps:
- Stop wearing contacts three weeks before surgery
- Bring a driver to your appointment
- Continue taking regular medications
- No perfume or make-up
- Eat a light breakfast or lunch
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
These preparation steps are designed to make your LASIK day efficient and stress-free. After your consultation, you’ll receive custom instructions tailored to your needs.
Post-Surgical Care
The right aftercare can make a big difference in both recovery time and visual results. Our team will check your healing progress, adjust medications as needed, and answer any questions that come up along the way.
Cataracts
Because you won’t be able to drive for the first 24 hours, arrange for transportation after cataract surgery. We’ll also provide sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight, wind, and dust.
- Wear provided eye shields as you sleep for three nights following surgery
- Get plenty of rest to promote proper healing
- Relax and don’t overexert yourself
- Take prescription antibiotic eye drops and anti-inflammatories
- Take prescription pain relief if applicable
- Avoid bending and any sudden movements for three days following surgery
We’ll walk you through the full cleaning and care process so you can heal comfortably and safely.
Glaucoma Surgery
Plan to spend three to four hours at the surgical center for your glaucoma procedure. Full recovery typically takes three to six weeks, depending on the surgery type.
- Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes
- Take all prescription medication provided by your doctor
- Avoid heavy lifting and excessive activity
- Avoid swimming pools
A follow-up visit will be scheduled for the morning after surgery. At this appointment, your eye patch will be removed, vision and pressure will be checked, and you’ll get detailed medication and aftercare instructions.
LASIK
LASIK recovery is generally quick, and many patients notice vision improvement within hours. Mild blurriness is common at first but should fade with rest. To support a fast, smooth recovery, follow these steps:
- Utilize eye drops as recommended
- Do not rub or squeeze your eyes for a week following surgery
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes at all times
- Wear provided eye shields as you sleep for three nights following surgery
- Avoid make-up and cosmetics for one week following surgery
- Do not use hot tubs or pools for one week following surgery
- Refrain from sports and exercise for one week following surgery
Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress and ensure you’re healing as expected.
Locations & Doctors
Our doctors at Art of Optiks bring unmatched skill and a genuine dedication to your eye health. Our team believes in making sure you fully understand your treatment plan while keeping your experience straightforward and comfortable.
Currently, we have two locations that offer a variety of services to our patients. We have offices located in Wayzata and Edina, Minnesota, with doctors Timothy Haupert and Victoria Whitman.
