What drugs are given prior to LASIK Surgery?

Are you considering LASIK surgery to say goodbye to glasses and contacts? Great choice! LASIK is a popular and effective procedure that can significantly improve your vision. However, like any surgery, it requires preparation. One aspect of this preparation involves the medications given before the surgery. Let’s break down what drugs you might encounter and why they are used.

Pre-Surgery Anxiety Relief

Feeling anxious before surgery is normal. To help ease this anxiety, your surgeon may prescribe a mild sedative. Commonly used sedatives include Valium (diazepam) or Ativan (lorazepam)¹Dr. Jason P. Brinto, Brinton Vision.. These medications help you relax without putting you to sleep. They work by calming the nerves, making the whole experience more comfortable for you.

Numbing the Eyes

The actual LASIK procedure is not painful, thanks to numbing eye drops. These drops, often containing lidocaine or tetracaine,²The Basics of LASIK Eye Surgery. (August 2012). Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Information. are applied to your eyes just before surgery. The numbing drops work quickly to anaesthetise the surface of your eye, ensuring you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.

Preventing Infection

Infection control is crucial in any surgery, and LASIK is no exception. To minimise the risk of infection, your surgeon will prescribe antibiotic eye drops. These drops are started the day after surgery. Common antibiotics used include moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin.³The Basics of LASIK Eye Surgery. (August 2012). Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Information. Using these drops as directed helps keep your eyes free from harmful bacteria.

Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation can occur after any surgery. To prevent this, anti-inflammatory eye drops are given. These drops usually contain a steroid like prednisolone or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)⁴Methods of Sedation for LASIK. (April 2012). Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today. like ketorolac. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how and when to use these drops to ensure your eyes heal properly and comfortably.

Managing Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be a temporary side effect of LASIK surgery. To prepare for this, your surgeon may recommend lubricating eye drops. These drops help keep your eyes moist and comfortable, both before and after the procedure. Over-the-counter options like artificial tears are commonly used. In some cases, prescription drops such as cyclosporine (Restasis)⁵Methods of Sedation for LASIK. (April 2012). Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today. may be recommended to manage dryness effectively.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort

Each of these medications plays a crucial role in ensuring your LASIK surgery is safe and comfortable. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding these medications to achieve the best possible outcome. Here’s a quick summary of the drugs you might be given:

• Sedatives: To reduce anxiety (e.g., Valium or Ativan).⁶Methods of Sedation for LASIK. (April 2012). Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today.
• Numbing Drops: To anesthetize the eyes (e.g., lidocaine or tetracaine). ⁷Preoperative Evaluation for LASIK Surgery. (October 2019). EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
• Antibiotic Drops: To prevent infection (e.g., moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin).⁸Preoperative Evaluation for LASIK Surgery. (October 2019). EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
• Anti-inflammatory Drops: To reduce inflammation (e.g., prednisolone or ketorolac).⁹Preoperative Evaluation for LASIK Surgery. (October 2019). EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
• Lubricating Drops: To manage dry eyes (e.g., artificial tears or Restasis).¹⁰Methods of Sedation for LASIK. (April 2012). Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today.

Preparing for LASIK surgery involves more than just showing up on the day of the procedure. Understanding what drugs are given prior to LASIK surgery and why they are important can help alleviate any concerns you may have. Remember, these drugs are used to ensure your surgery goes smoothly and you achieve the best possible results.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards clear vision, consider taking our self-test. This quick and easy test can help determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Visit our website to learn more and start your journey to seeing the world with new clarity.