Achieving a clear vision without the need for spectacles or contact lenses is a significant improvement in the quality of life for many individuals. Contoura Vision surgery, an advanced topography-guided laser procedure, offers enhanced precision by addressing subtle irregularities on the corneal surface, often resulting in sharper visual outcomes compared to conventional LASIK.
While the surgical procedure itself is brief, optimal results require thorough preoperative preparation. This article outlines each step involved in preparing for Contoura Vision surgery. So, let’s get started:
Know the Procedure Before You Commit
Below are some of the points which you should consider before your eye surgery:
Talk, Listen, and Question
Begin with a long conversation with your trusted eye specialist. Ask what makes Contoura Vision different from regular LASIK, what sort of corneal maps the machine takes, and how those maps guide the laser. Listen to the risks as carefully as you listen to the benefits. A good surgeon welcomes questions and answers without rushing.
Read Your Eye Reports
After the first consultation, you will undergo a number of tests – corneal thickness, tear film quality, pupil size in dim light, and detailed scans of the corneal surface. Do not just stuff these print-outs into a folder. Study them with your doctor. Understanding the numbers builds confidence and tells you why you are, or are not, a perfect fit for Contoura Vision.
Two Weeks Before Surgery
Here are a few things to remember before surgery:
Give Your Eyes a Break From Contact Lenses
Contact lenses press gently on the cornea and can alter its shape. For best results, you will be advised to stop wearing soft lenses at least a week before surgery, and rigid lenses a full two weeks before. Yes, going back to spectacles may feel odd, but it is non-negotiable if you want the laser map to be accurate. Consult your doctor to understand more.
Tame Allergies and Dryness
Dust, pollen, and long screen hours can dry out or inflame the eyes. Begin using the lubricant drops your doctor prescribes, keep screens at a sensible distance, and limit smoky roadside food stalls that may irritate your eyes. Smooth, quiet tear film on surgery day helps both comfort and safety.
Review Your Medicines
Tell every type of tablet, syrup, or supplement you take – whether for diabetes, thyroid, or a gym routine to the eye specialist. The surgeon and the anaesthetist need this list. Some medicines must be paused a few days before surgery. Only a doctor can decide which ones to stop.
One Week Before Surgery
Things to remember one week before surgery:
Plan Your Work and Travel Calendar
Post-surgery rest is short but mandatory. Clear your schedule so you do not rush to an airport or plunge into a wedding within forty-eight hours of the operation. If your job involves field work under the harsh sun, apply for two to three days of leave. Arrange for an auto, cab, or relative to drive you home, since you cannot drive yourself right after the laser.
Practice not Touching Your Eyes
Rubbing eyes is a habit many of us do without thinking, right after waking up, during a yawn, or when an eyelash tickles. The flap created during laser surgery sits securely, but only if you avoid rubbing in those early days.
Set up a Clean Recovery Corner
Choose one chair in a cool, well-lit part of the house. Keep a small table next to it with the following:
- Prescribed eye drops are labelled and lined up
- Box of clean tissues
- Dark protective glasses from the clinic
- A water bottle and light snacks such as roasted chana
Having a dedicated spot means you will not hunt for items while your vision is still adjusting.
The Day Before Surgery
Things to do one day before the surgery:
Wash Hair and Face Thoroughly
You will not be allowed to splash water directly on your eyes for at least twenty-four hours after surgery. Complete all care, such as washing your hair and avoiding makeup, the evening before your surgery. Use a gentle, tear-free baby shampoo if your eyes feel sensitive.
Light Dinner and Early Bed
Heavy, oily meals can leave you feeling sluggish or even nauseous during the short fasting window before surgery. Prefer dal, steamed rice, and sabzi. Go to bed a little early. A calm mind and a rested body can always help.
Pack a Small Bag
Here’s a mini-checklist:
- Your latest eye reports and hospital papers
- Aadhaar card or any ID for admission formalities
- Wallet with some cash or a charged digital payment app
- A soft hand towel and other hygiene items you may require
- A small bag to store any items you may require.
Avoid perfumes, hair gels, and jewellery.
Surgery Day
Things to follow on the day of the surgery:
Dress Comfortably
Choose loose cotton clothes without dangling sleeves. The laser room is cool, so carry a light shawl if you feel chilly easily. Flat sandals or slip-ons make it easier when nurses ask you to remove footwear near the sterile zone.
Stick to the Fasting Rule
If your centre advises no food and no drink for four hours, follow it exactly. A sip of water is usually fine to swallow a pre-surgery tablet but confirm with the nurse.
Arrive Early, Breathe Slowly
Reaching half an hour before your time slot allows staff to repeat last-minute checks without hurry. While you wait, practise slow breathing: inhale through the nose for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. It settles nerves and keeps the pulse steady.
Inside the Laser Suite
You will lie on a small padded bed and receive numbing eye drops. Your head may be slightly pressed, and you may see moving lights during the process of the laser doing its work. Remain motionless as much as possible and stare at the required spot as directed. It usually does not take more than fifteen minutes in both eyes.
When this is done, the doctor examines your eyes to ensure all is okay. They give you a pair of protective glasses and take you to a recovery zone shown by a staff member.
Post Surgery
Right after the procedure, your vision may feel blurry or hazy, and your eyes might water or feel slightly irritated- this is normal. You’ll be given protective eyewear and advised to rest your eyes for the remainder of the day. Avoid screens, bright lights, or touching your eyes. Most patients are able to resume light activities by the next day, but following your surgeon’s post-op care instructions is essential for smooth recovery.
Conclusion
Preparing for Contoura Vision surgery is simply about thoughtful planning. Pause contact lenses in time, organise your home and calendar, nourish your body with clean Indian staples, and follow every small instruction from your surgeon.
On the day of surgery, arrive rested and follow the instructions given. Post-op, your vision typically stabilises over a few days to weeks. Regular follow-ups and prescribed eye drops help support smooth healing and clear vision. With thoughtful preparation and the right support, you help create the conditions for a smooth recovery and clearer vision ahead.
