Preparing For LASIK: Pre-Surgery Tips & Expectations

LASIK (Laser-In Situ Keratomileusis) is now among the world’s most sought-after vision correction procedures, providing liberation from contact lenses and glasses. Although the surgery itself is brief and not very painful, proper preparation in advance is critical to getting the best results. Knowing what to do prior to LASIK, how to prepare your eyes, and what to expect during surgery can make the whole process easier and more successful.

This blog will take you through LASIK prep tips, such as when to discontinue wearing contact lenses, why avoiding caffeine is necessary, what to wear on the day of the procedure, and a comprehensive LASIK pre-surgery list.

Why Preparation for LASIK is Important

LASIK is an extremely accurate procedure that permanently reshapes the cornea to correct refractive disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Despite being minimally invasive, correct preparation is vital as it allows your eyes to be in the best possible condition for the laser to operate precisely. Failure to adhere to pre-surgery guidelines can result in suboptimal results or even necessitate further corrective procedures.

For instance, wearing contacts too near to the date of the surgery can change the natural structure of your cornea, which might impact the precision of the surgical measurements. Likewise, the intake of substances such as caffeine prior to surgery may induce excessive jitteriness or eye dryness, perhaps disrupting your comfort throughout the procedure.

By carefully following the recommendations of your eye surgeon and preparing both physically and mentally, you’ll not only reduce the risk of complications but also feel more confident about the procedure.

What to Do Before LASIK Surgery

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

You’ll need to have a thorough eye examination from an experienced ophthalmologist before you can go ahead with LASIK. The test verifies the health of your eyes, corneal thickness, pupil diameter, and refractive problems to assess whether you’re a suitable subject for the procedure. Your eye surgeon also relies on advanced imaging modalities to map the surface of your cornea, which assists the laser in its work.

The pre-surgical consultation is also when you should inquire about any questions that may be on your mind regarding the procedure, recovery, and results. Ensure that you reveal any medical conditions, medication, or allergies since these will influence the healing process.

Avoid Contact Lens Wear Prior to LASIK

One of the most important things to do in preparation for LASIK is to refrain from wearing your contact lenses far enough in advance of your surgery. Contact lenses, especially rigid or gas-permeable lenses, can cause your cornea temporarily to shift shape. This may cause incorrect measurements during your pre-operative assessment and affect the accuracy of the laser correction.

Your doctor will inform you about when to discontinue wearing your lenses. In most patients, soft contact lenses need to be taken out at least one to two weeks prior to surgery. RGP lenses might have to be stopped for a period of at least three to four weeks, if not more, based on how long you’ve been wearing them.

Switching to glasses during this period will allow your corneas to return to their natural shape, ensuring accurate surgical planning.

LASIK Pre-Surgery Checklist

Your surgeon will provide a detailed checklist to follow in the days leading up to your LASIK procedure. This typically includes instructions about medications, eye drops, and other pre-surgery requirements.

A few days prior to your surgery, you might be instructed to begin the use of lubricating eye drops to help decrease dryness and have your eyes in the optimal condition for healing. When you’re taking any medications or supplements, consult your surgeon to make sure they won’t disrupt the procedure or recovery process.

Do not wear heavy eye makeup or use lotions and creams close to your eyes for at least 24 hours preceding the surgery, as these will leave residue on the eyelids and lashes. Clean eyelids and lashes prevent infection.

The Day Before LASIK Surgery

The night before your LASIK surgery, make sure to relax and rest well. Sleeping well will ensure that you are calm and prepared for the following day. Do not consume alcohol because it dehydrates and aggravates dryness in the eyes, something you do not want prior to surgery.

Your doctor might remind you to make transportation arrangements, since you will not be able to drive yourself home afterward. Having someone with you can also be comforting and see to it that you get home okay.

Avoid Caffeine Before LASIK

A lot of surgeons advise avoiding caffeine at least 24 hours prior to your LASIK surgery. A cup of coffee may not sound bad, but caffeine tends to dry your eyes even more, and this can be uncomfortable when you are in surgery. Caffeine also leads to jitteriness or restlessness, which is not desirable when you must remain peaceful and immobile during surgery.

Instead of energy drinks or coffee, hydrate yourself with lots of water. Water is the best drink for a hydrated pair of eyes, and it will make both the surgery and recovery more comfortable.

What to Wear to LASIK Surgery

Choosing the right outfit for your LASIK surgery might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference to your comfort. Since you’ll be lying down during the procedure, opt for loose, comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt, sweatpants, or a hoodie.

Do not wear tight-collared garments or anything that would get in the way of the medical devices surrounding your head and neck. Avoid wearing shedding material such as wool also, as this can cause irritation to the surgical environment.

Do not apply makeup, perfume, or hair treatments such as sprays or gels on the day of your surgery because these can disrupt the sterile environment within the operating theater.

Eating and Drinking Prior to LASIK

Your LASIK surgeon will probably not insist on you fasting before surgery, so you can eat lightly on the day you will undergo the procedure. Do not eat heavy or greasy foods, though, that will leave you feeling drowsy. Drink water all day to keep yourself hydrated.

If the doctor gives you a mild sedative for relaxation purposes, you will need to take it when instructed to do so. This will assist in keeping you calm and suppressing the anxiety experienced before or during the treatment.

Dealing with Anxiety and Expectations

It is natural to feel anxious prior to LASIK. After all, it is not a regular occurrence for somebody to be sticking lasers into your eyes. Nevertheless, contemporary LASIK technology is very secure, and the procedure usually takes less than 20 minutes per eye.

To put your mind at ease, it can be helpful to know just what will occur during the operation. The doctor will anesthetize your eyes with special drops, make a thin flap on the cornea using a femtosecond laser, and then reshape the underlying tissue using an excimer laser. You won’t experience pain, only some pressure or mild discomfort.

It’s crucial to have realistic expectations. Although a majority of patients get 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, some might still require glasses for a few activities, such as driving at night or reading fine print. Be sure to bring up these expectations with your surgeon prior to undergoing it so that you are clear on what LASIK can do for you.

Post-Surgery Preparations

Even before your LASIK procedure, it’s wise to prepare for the recovery period. Stock up on items you’ll need, such as artificial tears, protective sunglasses, and any prescribed medications. Plan to take it easy for a few days, avoiding strenuous activities or environments with dust and smoke.

Plan your schedule so you can rest your eyes right after surgery. Your vision will usually improve in 24 hours, but your eyes will remain sensitive to light and can feel slightly dry or irritated.

Final Thoughts 

Preparation for LASIK is every bit as crucial as the procedure. Understanding how to prepare before LASIK—from dropping contact lens wear to adhering to your surgeon’s LASIK pre-operative checklist—preps your eyes for the optimal result. Paying attention to little things such as skipping caffeine, wearing comfortable attire, and getting plenty of rest beforehand can make a big difference in your experience.

LASIK offers a life-changing opportunity to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. By following these LASIK preparation tips, you’ll not only boost your chances of a successful surgery but also feel more relaxed and confident on the day of your procedure.