Can I eat or drink before my Laser Eye Surgery?
If you have ever had any kind of surgery or procedure, you will likely have been told to undergo a period of fasting before you head into the treatment room.
Depending on the time of your procedure, this may mean simply skipping breakfast and your morning coffee, but in some cases, you may be required to go more than 12 hours without a bite to eat.
The need for the pre-operative fast is usually due to the use of general anaesthetic. You see, when the anaesthetic is used, it temporarily stops some of the body’s processes and reflexes. If your stomach has food and drink in it at this time, this can increase the risk of vomiting.
Going into surgery feeling a little hungry sounds like a small price to pay to prevent this from happening; but, still, most of us would prefer a little comfort food (or even a glass of wine) to take the edge off the day before our surgery…
Luckily, in most modern surgeries, the pre-operative fast is now a lot more relaxed than it used to be. But few are more accommodating than Laser Eye Surgery.
In fact, there are no restrictions on eating before your Laser Eye Surgery procedure! Quite the opposite actually – we actively encourage patients to have a good meal before arriving at the clinic. And if that isn’t comforting enough, our complementary chocolate biscuits will sort you out.
Nonetheless, don’t feel worried if pre-surgery nerves prevent you from eating a hearty meal before your treatment. We simply recommend that you have at least something small in your system before arriving at the clinic.
Drinking alcohol before Laser Eye Surgery
Remember that glass of wine we mentioned earlier? Well, many of you will be pleased to know that consuming a small amount of alcohol on the night before your procedure generally does not present any issues.
But be aware: when we say a “small amount”, this could be that glass of wine – or perhaps a beer – but more than that is not advised.
This is because alcohol consumption can dry out your eyes, which may present a problem when it comes to your treatment. Still, it remains preferable to abstain from alcohol for the 24 hours before your surgery.
But what about after your surgery? Can you celebrate with a nice glass of bubbly? Unfortunately, on the day of your procedure, you will need to rest up and keep your eyes closed as much as possible to effectively start your recovery process. Therefore, we recommend that you hold off until the next day to have that celebratory drink.
A few recommendations to prepare for the day of your Laser Eye Surgery
It is completely normal to experience some nerves on the day of your procedure. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can really help to put you at ease as you head off to the clinic.
In the days leading up to your Laser Eye Surgery treatment, your Laser Eye surgeon will have an in-depth conversation with you about how to best prepare for the day. Below are a number of the recommendations they will discuss with you:
- If you’re travelling, arrange accommodation. Clinics can often help with this;
- Plan for children or small infants to be looked after while you go to the clinic;
- Plan to take the day of the surgery and possibly the day after away from work;
- Remove all eye makeup at least 24 hours before surgery;
- Arrange transport for the journey home from the clinic. Public transport can be tiring. The Clinic will help you arrange any travel arrangements on the day;
- Don’t wear perfume or cologne (or any product that contains alcohol) on the day of surgery;
- Wear comfortable clothing and do not wear material such as wool that could generate lint;
- Bring your diary to arrange aftercare appointments following the surgery.
If you have any questions about preparing for Laser Eye Surgery, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators – they’re always happy to help! Alternatively, Book a Consultation online today.
