LASIK Pre-Surgery Checklist: 15 Things to Do Before Your Procedure

4 Weeks Before LASIK

1. Stop wearing soft contact lenses: At least 7-14 days before surgery. Contacts reshape your cornea slightly, affecting topography accuracy.

2. Stop wearing rigid gas permeable (RGP) or hard contacts: At least 3-4 weeks before. RGP lenses cause more corneal molding.

3. Switch to glasses fully: Required for accurate pre-op measurements.

4. Schedule the comprehensive pre-op evaluation: Usually done 1-2 weeks before surgery — includes corneal topography, pachymetry, dry-eye assessment, retinal exam.

5. Discuss medications with your surgeon: Some medications (like Accutane/isotretinoin for acne) need to be stopped before LASIK.

1-2 Weeks Before LASIK

6. Begin lubricating eye drops: 4 times daily, preservative-free. Helps optimise tear film for surgery.

7. Avoid eye makeup for 3-5 days before: Mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can leave residue around the lash line.

8. Stop using face creams near the eye area: 2-3 days before.

9. Arrange transportation: You cannot drive yourself home after LASIK. Plan a friend, family member, or cab.

10. Plan 1-2 days off work: Most patients can return to desk work in 24-48 hours but rest helps.

1 Day Before LASIK

11. Eat normally and stay hydrated: No fasting required for LASIK (it's done under topical drops, not general anaesthesia).

12. Avoid alcohol: For 24 hours before surgery — affects healing and post-op medications.

13. Wash hair, face thoroughly: You won't be able to wash your face freely for the first 24-48 hours after.

14. Get a good night's sleep: 7-8 hours.

15. Pack your post-LASIK kit: Sunglasses (essential for the trip home), prescription medications, water bottle, comfortable clothes.

Morning of LASIK

• Eat a light, normal breakfast — don't skip meals
• No eye makeup, perfume, or face creams — even moisturiser near the eye area
• Wear comfortable, button-front clothing — easier than pulling t-shirts overhead post-surgery
• Bring sunglasses — you'll need them for the trip home
• Bring all prescriptions and ID — check with the centre about what to carry
• Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled time — for final pre-op tests and consent
• Eat a light meal before leaving home — you'll be discharged within 2-3 hours

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before LASIK

• Which technology is recommended for my eyes (Femto/Contoura/SMILE), and why?
• What's my expected post-op vision (20/20, 20/25, etc.)?
• What's my chance of needing an enhancement procedure?
• What dry-eye risk applies to me specifically?
• What are the realistic recovery milestones — when can I drive, work, exercise, swim, travel?
• Is the surgery covered under any free enhancement policy?
• What is the surgeon's procedure volume and complication rate?
• What happens if there's a complication during surgery?
• What is the post-op care protocol — drops, follow-up schedule?
• What's the all-inclusive cost — any extras to expect?