Pre and Post Surgical Eye Care Lino Lakes

If eye surgery is on your horizon, receiving comprehensive pre-operative care is essential for achieving the best results. At Art of Optiks, our doctors thoroughly evaluate your vision and overall health, addressing any concerns before your procedure. Careful preparation and consistent evaluations not only improve surgical outcomes but also help you feel confident as you move forward with treatment.

Cataracts

Preparing for cataract surgery is a vital step toward success. During your pre-surgical visit, our team will review your health history and current medications, often advising adjustments such as pausing certain prescriptions like blood thinners or prostate medications. Following these recommendations reduces risks and ensures you’re ready on surgery day.

• 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 surgery day, our specialists will take precise eye measurements to select the right intraocular lens to replace your natural one. This process ensures the best vision correction and confirms your readiness. With the right preparation and expert guidance, you can feel confident your cataract surgery will be safe and effective.

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma develops when excess fluid increases eye pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. If you’re scheduled for glaucoma surgery, preparing properly is key. Depending on your needs, treatment options may involve implants, shunts, trabeculectomy, or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Before surgery, our team will conduct a detailed evaluation to ensure you’re ready.

• 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, it’s important to have transportation arranged and to carefully follow all pre-op directions. Our supportive team will be there with you at every step, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared. By planning ahead, you create the foundation for the best outcome possible.

LASIK

To ensure that you are adequately prepared for your LASIK surgery, you should take the following 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

Proper care after surgery is essential for healing and long-term results. At Art of Optiks, our doctors guide you through recovery with follow-up appointments, personalized instructions, and the right treatments. We’ll monitor your progress closely, ensuring your eyes heal properly while giving you reassurance throughout the process.

Cataracts

After cataract surgery, it’s important to have transportation arranged, since you won’t be able to drive for the first 24 hours. You’ll also be provided protective sunglasses to help shield your eyes from light, dust, and irritants while they recover.

• 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

During recovery, our team will explain how to clean and care for your eyes properly. Following these instructions reduces risks and helps ensure the best possible results from your cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Surgery

Recovery time for glaucoma surgery varies depending on the procedure, but most patients spend about three to four hours at the surgery center and typically heal in three to six weeks.

• Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes
• Take all prescription medication provided by your doctor
• Avoid heavy lifting and excessive activity
• Avoid swimming pools

The morning after surgery, you’ll return for a follow-up visit. At this appointment, your eye patch will be removed, vision tested, and eye pressure checked. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using medications and caring for your eyes at home.

LASIK

LASIK often provides quick results, with many patients noticing clearer vision within hours. While some blurriness is normal at first, it typically improves within days. To promote healing and protect your eyes, following aftercare guidelines is essential.

• 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

Consistently attending follow-up visits is key to tracking healing and confirming results. Our doctors will perform detailed exams at each appointment to ensure your vision is improving and your eyes are recovering as expected.