Lasik surgery can be a good thing, and has been a positive experience for thousands upon thousands of people. There are folks who have had horrible experiences, too.

Whether it was caused by clerical error, inexperience of the surgeon or equipment malfunction, some people have been left permanently impaired.

Long-term results of LASIK eye surgery are as yet unknown. Do consider LASIK, but don't let anyone talk you into it against your better judgment.

You have been living with your vision problems so far, so wait until you have gathered all the facts before you make your decision.

If you decide to have LASIK surgery, do all that you can to prepare yourself before the procedure. Know what to expect during the surgery and be practiced in relaxation techniques.

After surgery, follow all your surgeon's directions to maintain your visual health. Use this list as a reminder.

When considering LASIK surgery:a.. Don't rush into this. Learn all you can before you make the decision.b.. If considering Wavefront LASIK, some eye centers can have a contact lens lasered with your unique treatment plan to "preview" the surgery's results.c.. Prior to having monovision surgery, make sure that you try monovision contact lenses first.d.. No contact lenses for at least two weeks prior to evaluation.e.. Try to observe a LASIK procedure to become familiar with the sounds, sights and smells associated with surgery and to see what actually happens. The imagination is scarier than the reality, usually.

Before LASIK surgery:a.. Read and understand the informed consent form your doctor gave you.b.. Take 500mg of vitamin C twice a day for a week to diminish the chance of corneal haze.c.. Do without your contacts for three weeks prior to the LASIK surgery, to let your corneas resume their natural shape.d.. Eat right, avoid caffeine, drink plenty of water and get sufficient sleep.e.. No eye makeup on the day your LASIK surgery.

During the LASIK procedure:a.. Think happy thoughts.b.. Try to relax.c.. Trust that you and your surgeon have made the best decision for your vision.

Directly after LASIKa.. Do not drive for a couple of days.b.. Go home and take a napc.. Do not rub your eyes.d.. Take 500mg of vitamin C twice a day for at least two weeks after surgery, to diminish chances of corneal haze.e.. No eye makeup for a few days after surgery.f.. Take a couple of days off from work.g.. Expect to not see clearly for a few days and to have some pain and discomfort.h.. Be sure to follow all of your surgeon's post-operative instructions, including using your eye drops and medications.i.. Wear your eye shield.j.. Know when to ask for help.

In the weeks and months following LASIKa.. For a few weeks, do not participate in contact sports, heavy lifting or other strenuous activities that could cause your eye to be struck or could put pressure on your eye.b.. No swimming for a few weeks.c.. Keep practicing those relaxation techniques.d.. Continue to take care of yourself with your diet and sleep habits.e.. Gradually get back into the routine of your life, including moderate exercise, such as walking.f.. Expect your vision to keep changing for a while.g.. Make sure your vision is stable before any enhancement surgery

These are definitely not all the things that you should do before, during and after having LASIK eye surgery.

You should get a checklist from your surgeon and your optometrist. Serenity, good habits and general good health will help with the success of any elective surgery.