Why You Should Stop GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic One Week Before Surgery
If you’re scheduled for surgery, your surgeon or anesthesiologist may ask you to stop taking your GLP-1 medication—such as Ozempic—at least one week prior to your procedure. But why is this necessary? The answer lies in how these medications affect digestion and the risks they pose under anesthesia.
How GLP-1 Medications Affect Digestion
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. These medications work by slowing gastric emptying, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness. However, this delayed digestion can become a concern when undergoing surgery.
When anesthesia is administered, there’s a risk of aspiration—where stomach contents enter the lungs, potentially leading to serious complications such as pneumonia or airway obstruction. Normally, patients fast before surgery to reduce this risk, but GLP-1 medications can cause food to remain in the stomach longer than expected, increasing the chance of aspiration even after fasting.
Common GLP-1 Medications and Their Generic Names
If you take any of the following GLP-1 receptor agonists, your surgical team may advise you to pause them before your procedure:
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Rybelsus (semaglutide, oral tablet)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Bydureon BCise (exenatide extended-release)
Byetta (exenatide)
Victoza (liraglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide, used for weight loss)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist)
What You Should Do Before Surgery
If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and have an upcoming surgery, follow these steps:
Inform your surgical team. Let your doctor and anesthesiologist know about all medications you take, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Follow your provider’s instructions. Some surgery centers require stopping GLP-1 medications one week before surgery, while others may have different guidelines.
Discuss alternative diabetes management. If you take a GLP-1 for diabetes, your doctor may recommend alternative methods to keep your blood sugar levels stable while pausing the medication.
Monitor for symptoms. During the medication break, watch for any changes in blood sugar levels or other effects and communicate with your healthcare team if needed.
The Bottom Line
Stopping GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Trulicity before surgery is a precautionary step to reduce the risk of aspiration under anesthesia. If you are taking one of these medications and have a procedure planned, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to ensure a safe and smooth surgery.
Do you have questions about GLP-1 medications and eye surgery? Contact our team at Laser Eye Surgery of Erie to learn more about preparing for your procedure.
If you’ve been considering LASIK to improve your vision, you may have encountered some misconceptions that give you pause. At Laser Eye Surgery of Erie, we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s debunk the top 10 myths about LASIK and give you the facts, directly from Dr. Robert Haverly, an experienced ophthalmologist with over 30 years of expertise in vision correction.
LASIK is Painful One of the most common myths about LASIK is that it’s painful. In reality, LASIK is virtually painless thanks to numbing eye drops applied before the procedure. Patients typically feel only pressure during the surgery and experience irritation, like a gritty sensation, for several hours afterward.
LASIK is Only for Younger People Another misconception is that LASIK is only for younger people. While it’s true that many patients are in their 20s or 30s, age isn’t the deciding factor. As long as your prescription is stable and your eyes are healthy, you may still be a candidate for LASIK, even if you’re over 40.
LASIK Can Cause Blindness Some people worry that LASIK might cause blindness, but this fear is unfounded. LASIK is one of the safest elective surgeries available, with a complication rate of less than 1%. Thanks to advancements like Wavefront Technology and Blade-Free Intralase, the procedure is safer and more precise than ever.
LASIK Results Are Temporary Another myth is that LASIK results are temporary. For most patients, the vision correction provided by LASIK is permanent. However, it’s important to remember that natural aging processes, like presbyopia or cataracts, can still affect your vision later in life.
LASIK Isn’t Affordable Many patients assume LASIK is too expensive, but it’s actually a worthwhile investment in your vision. Over time, the costs of glasses and contact lenses can add up, and many practices, including ours, offer flexible financing options to make LASIK more accessible.
Recovery from LASIK Takes a Long Time Another misconception is that the recovery process takes a long time. In fact, most patients return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. While you’ll need to avoid certain activities like swimming or heavy exercise temporarily, the overall downtime is minimal.
LASIK Isn’t Safe for Athletes or Active Lifestyles For those with active lifestyles, LASIK is often seen as unsuitable, but the opposite is true. LASIK is a fantastic option for athletes or anyone with an active routine. Once your eyes heal, you won’t have to deal with glasses fogging up or worrying about losing a contact lens during a workout.
LASIK Can’t Correct Astigmatism Some people also believe LASIK can’t correct astigmatism, but modern LASIK technology effectively treats astigmatism along with nearsightedness and farsightedness.
LASIK Isn’t as Effective as Glasses or Contacts There’s also the myth that LASIK isn’t as effective as glasses or contacts. In fact, LASIK often provides vision that’s as good as—or better than—what patients achieve with corrective lenses. Many patients end up with 20/20 vision or better after the procedure.
Everyone’s LASIK Results Are the Same Finally, there’s the myth that LASIK results are the same for everyone. Each patient’s eyes and needs are unique, which is why a consultation with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Haverly is crucial to determine the best approach for your vision correction.
If myths about LASIK have been holding you back, now is the time to get the facts. LASIK is a safe, effective, and life-changing procedure that can free you from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Haverly at Laser Eye Surgery of Erie today, and take the first step toward clearer vision. Your eyes deserve the best care, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Dr. Haverly’s Volunteer Mission to Guatemala: Helping to Cure World Blindness.
Dr. Haverly, a skilled ophthalmologist dedicated to helping cure world blindness, recently returned from a transformative mission in the mountains of Guatemala. Over nine days, he performed life-changing cataract and pterygium surgeries at Hospital Evangélico El Buen Samaritano in Chichicastenango. This mission provided essential eye care to a region with little access to healthcare, restoring sight and hope to many who had been living in darkness.
Restoring Sight in Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango is a remote village in the Guatemalan highlands, where medical services, especially specialized care like eye surgery, are scarce. For many, untreated cataracts or pterygium (a growth on the eye that can impair vision) had led to partial or total blindness. Dr. Haverly was thrilled to provide hope and healing to these patients.
During his time in Guatemala, Dr. Haverly performed numerous surgeries on patients who had been blind for years. The results were nothing short of miraculous. One day, a patient would come in unable to see, and after a carefully performed surgery, they would return the next day with restored vision. Witnessing their reactions—seeing the world clearly for the first time in years—was a deeply moving experience for Dr. Haverly.
Training the Next Generation of Ophthalmologists
Dr. Haverly’s mission wasn’t just about providing immediate care; it was also about equipping local healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge to continue this important work. He spent time training ophthalmologists in training from both Guatemala and Honduras, sharing his expertise in eye surgery techniques and patient care. This hands-on education will help ensure that the region can continue to offer high-quality eye care long after his visit.
In addition to working with students, Dr. Haverly also collaborated with attending ophthalmologists from the Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala City. Together, they worked to expand the reach of eye care services in the region and strengthen the local medical community.
A Life-Changing Experience
Dr. Haverly’s time at Hospital Evangélico El Buen Samaritano was not just about the surgeries, though they were undoubtedly the highlight. It was also about connecting with the local community and seeing firsthand the profound impact that access to healthcare can have on individuals and families. He returned home with memories of grateful patients, photos of the smiling faces of those who could see again, and a renewed commitment to making a difference.
This volunteer mission was a powerful reminder that even in places where resources are limited, compassion and expertise can change lives. Dr. Haverly is looking forward to returning to Guatemala in the future to continue this important work.
Stay tuned for photos from his time in Guatemala, where you’ll see the joy on patients’ faces as they experience the gift of restored sight.
Fireworks pose significant dangers, despite their thrilling and spectacular displays. Many fireworks are advertised as toys, but they can cause serious harm, including blindness. In 2022, the U.S. alone saw 11 deaths and over 10,200 serious injuries due to fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Keeping your eyes safe around fireworks is very important.
Most injures occur to bystanders
Shockingly, 65% of those injured were bystanders, not directly handling fireworks. The risks peak during summer, with most injuries occurring from mid-June to mid-July.
To stay safe, it’s a good idea to leave fireworks to professionals this year. For those attending shows, wearing eye protection that meets ANSI standards is crucial. This way, you can enjoy the fireworks without risking your eyesight and keeping your eyes safe around fireworks.
Legal fireworks can be dangerous
Even legal fireworks can be hazardous, often containing modified fuses or banned chemicals. Sparklers, which are thought to be safe, burn at over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and were responsible for 600 injuries in the latest report. Children are particularly vulnerable, with those under 15 comprising a third of all injuries. It’s important to supervise children closely around any type of fireworks.
Fireworks mishaps can lead to severe eye injuries, necessitating immediate medical attention. Despite precautions, equipment flaws and misfires contribute to injuries and fatalities annually. If a firework does not go off as expected, never attempt to relight it. Keeping your eyes safe around fireworks means staying alert and cautious.
Safety Tips
To ensure safety, experts recommend attending professional shows rather than handling fireworks at home. For those opting to use consumer fireworks where legal, strict adherence to safety guidelines is essential. These include keeping children away, using fireworks outdoors, and never attempting to relight malfunctioning fireworks. Always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of emergencies.
Fireworks injuries are preventable with caution and proper safety measures, ensuring celebrations remain joyful without tragic consequences. Keeping your eyes safe around fireworks is a big part of this. Wearing protective eyewear, staying at a safe distance, and leaving the big displays to the professionals can help everyone have a fun and safe holiday.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the beauty of fireworks while keeping yourself and others safe. Remember, safety first ensures a happy celebration for all!
Some of the key points discussed regarding LASIK and cataract surgery on Erie Talk radio are listed below:
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular refractive surgery that corrects vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve the way light rays are focused onto the retina. This results in clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is a quick procedure that typically takes about 15 minutes per eye, and patients usually experience improved vision almost immediately or within a day or two after surgery.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is another type of refractive surgery similar to LASIK but with some differences in the surgical technique. In PRK, instead of creating a flap in the cornea, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is completely removed before reshaping the cornea with a laser. The epithelium regenerates naturally after the procedure. PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or certain corneal irregularities that may not be suitable for LASIK. Recovery from PRK typically takes longer compared to LASIK, with gradual improvement in vision over several days to weeks.
Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove a cloudy lens (cataract) from the eye and replace it with an artificial lens implant. Cataracts develop when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and difficulty seeing clearly. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound energy and removed from the eye through a small incision. Once the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens (IOL) implant is inserted to replace the natural lens, restoring clear vision. Cataract surgery is typically performed on one eye at a time, with each procedure taking about 15 to 30 minutes. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide and is highly effective in improving vision and quality of life for individuals affected by cataracts.
