Before Your LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight Journey: Essential Do's and Don'ts Before Refractive Screening and Surgery
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If you're considering LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight to reduce your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses, proper preparation is one of the most important steps toward achieving excellent results. Many patients are excited to undergo same-day vision correction, but understanding what to do and what to avoid before your refractive screening and procedure can make a significant difference in the accuracy of your evaluation and the success of your treatment.
At Premiere Eye Referral Center & Optical, a trusted eye center in Manila patients rely on for advanced laser vision correction, we guide every patient through a comprehensive screening process to ensure they are suitable candidates for refractive surgery.
Whether you're planning to undergo LASIK eye surgery, PRK, or SmartSight, here's everything you need to know before your appointment.
Why Is Refractive Screening Important?
Before any laser vision correction procedure, every patient undergoes a comprehensive refractive screening. This detailed examination evaluates the overall health of your eyes and determines which procedure is most appropriate for your lifestyle, prescription, and corneal condition.
Your screening may include:
- Corneal topography and tomography
- Corneal thickness measurement
- Wavefront analysis
- Dry eye evaluation
- Pupil size assessment
- Dilated retinal examination
- Comprehensive refraction
These tests ensure that LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight can be performed safely while maximizing your visual outcome.
Do's Before Your Refractive Screening
1. Stop Wearing Contact Lenses Before Your Appointment
Contact lenses temporarily alter the natural shape of your cornea, which may affect the accuracy of your measurements.
General recommendations include:
- Soft contact lenses: Stop wearing them for at least 7 days
- Hard contact lenses: Stop wearing them for at least 14 days
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses: May require 2-4 weeks or longer, depending on your ophthalmologist's advice
Wearing contact lenses too close to your screening may result in inaccurate measurements and could delay your surgery.
2. Get Enough Rest
A good night's sleep helps keep your eyes comfortable and reduces fatigue during your examination. Since several tests require prolonged focus, arriving well-rested helps produce more reliable results.
3. Bring Your Current Eyeglasses
Your current prescription provides valuable information that allows your ophthalmologist to compare previous and current refractive errors.
If available, also bring:
- Previous eye examination records
- Existing prescriptions
- List of medications
- Medical history
4. Inform Your Doctor About Existing Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions may affect healing after LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight.
Be sure to mention if you have:
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Dry eye syndrome
- Previous eye surgery
- Eye infections
- Current medications
Providing complete information helps your surgeon recommend the safest treatment option.
5. Expect Dilating Eye Drops
Your pupils may be dilated during screening to allow a thorough examination of the retina. Because dilation temporarily causes blurry vision and increased light sensitivity, it's advisable to:
- Bring sunglasses
- Arrange transportation if you're uncomfortable driving afterward
Don'ts Before Your Refractive Screening
1. Don't Wear Eye Makeup
Avoid wearing:
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Eyeshadow
- False eyelashes
- Glitter makeup
Cosmetic particles may interfere with certain imaging tests and increase the risk of contamination.
2. Don't Use Heavy Facial Creams Around the Eyes
Avoid oily moisturizers, creams, or facial products near your eyelids on the day of your appointment, as they can affect equipment used during imaging.
3. Don't Hide Any Medical Information
Some patients worry that disclosing medical conditions might prevent them from qualifying for surgery. In reality, complete honesty allows your surgeon to recommend the safest and most effective treatment.
4. Don't Schedule Important Activities Immediately After Screening
Because your eyes may remain blurry for several hours after dilation, avoid scheduling meetings, driving long distances, or operating machinery immediately afterward.
Do's Before Your LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight Procedure
Once you've been cleared for surgery, there are additional preparations before the actual procedure.
Follow All Preoperative Instructions
Your surgeon may prescribe lubricating or antibiotic eye drops before surgery. Use them exactly as instructed.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose comfortable clothing with a button-down or zip-up top to avoid pulling garments over your head after surgery.
Eat a Light Meal
A light meal before surgery helps you remain comfortable during the procedure. Avoid arriving on an empty stomach unless specifically instructed otherwise.
Arrange Transportation
Although LASIK, PRK and SmartSight, whether same-day vision correction or scheduled vision correction, allows patients to return home shortly after treatment, you should still arrange for someone to accompany or drive you home. Your vision may be temporarily blurry immediately after the procedure.
Don'ts Before Your LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight Procedure
Don't Wear Perfume or Cologne
Strong fragrances may interfere with the sterile surgical environment and sensitive laser equipment.
Don't Wear Makeup or Facial Cosmetics
On the day of surgery, avoid:
- Makeup
- Facial lotions
- Sunscreen near the eyes
- Hair spray
- Perfume
Maintaining a clean surgical field reduces the risk of infection.
Don't Consume Alcohol
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery, as it may contribute to dehydration and worsen dry eye symptoms.
Don't Rub Your Eyes
If your eyes feel itchy or irritated before surgery, avoid rubbing them. Inform your ophthalmologist instead.
What Happens During Same-Day Vision Correction?
Many qualified patients appreciate the convenience of same day LASIK surgery or one day LASIK surgery.
In many cases, your journey includes:
- Comprehensive eye screening
- Surgeon consultation
- Final eligibility confirmation
- Laser vision correction procedure
- Recovery instructions before going home
The laser treatment itself typically takes only a few minutes per eye, allowing many patients to return home the same day.
Affordable Vision Correction Through Flexible Installment Plans
Clear vision is now more accessible than ever.
Qualified patients may enjoy up to 12 months 0% interest installment when paying with participating BPI Credit Card or UnionBank Credit Card, making advanced procedures like LASIK, PRK, and SmartSight easier to fit into your budget.
Flexible payment options allow you to invest in your eyesight without paying the full amount upfront.
Why Choose Premiere Eye Referral Center & Optical?
As a trusted eye center Manila residents rely on, Premiere Eye Referral Center & Optical combines experienced refractive surgeons with advanced diagnostic technology to provide personalized treatment plans for every patient.
From your comprehensive screening to your postoperative care, our team is committed to delivering safe, precise, and patient-centered vision correction.
Whether you're interested in LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight, we'll help determine the procedure that best suits your eyes and lifestyle.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Clear Vision?
If you're ready to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, schedule your comprehensive refractive screening at Premiere Eye Referral Center & Optical today.
Discover whether you're a candidate for LASIK, PRK, or SmartSight, and ask about our same-day vision correction options.
You may also take advantage of our up to 12 months 0% interest installment using participating BPI Credit Card and UnionBank Credit Card.
For inquiries or appointments, call +63 968 279 0171 or visit Premiere Eye Referral Center & Optical and begin your journey toward clearer vision.
