What Can I Do To Prepare Before LASIK?

As far as elective procedures go, LASIK is a simple procedure. It’s an outpatient surgery, meaning you leave the surgery center right after it’s over.

You’ll usually spend half an hour in recovery before you can go home. The surgery itself only takes a few minutes per eye.

But even though the procedure is quick and painless, you still need to properly prepare for it. Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do to ensure a smooth operation and recovery.

Stop Wearing Contacts

If you wear contacts, your surgeon will ask you to stop wearing them before your procedure. Just how long before having LASIK you have to stop wearing them depends on what kind of contacts you use.

Generally, if you wear soft lenses, you should stop wearing them two weeks before surgery. If you wear rigid lenses, you should stop wearing them three weeks before surgery.

It may be longer depending on the specific kind of lens. Talk to your surgeon about what kind of contacts you use. They’ll be able to tell you exactly how long to go without wearing them.

Have a Ride Arranged

Because LASIK is an outpatient procedure, you need some way of getting back home on the same day you have it. After LASIK, your eyes will be sensitive and you won’t be able to drive safely for at least the rest of the day.

This means you need a ride, preferably to and from the surgery center. So make sure you have a friend, family member, or rideshare service lined up to get you there and get you home.

Eat and Take Medication Normally

LASIK doesn’t need general anesthesia, so you don’t need to fast before the procedure. In fact, you should make sure you eat a good meal the night before surgery and the morning of.

Unless directed by your doctor, you should also take any medication you would take. It’s important to be at your best before the procedure so your body will be able to heal well afterward.

Wash Your Face

On the day of your LASIK procedure, you shouldn’t wear any makeup, lotions, or perfumes. Make sure that your face is completely clean before you go in.

This may mean skipping your normal skincare routine. Your skin will be able to go without proper moisturization for one day.

It’s important to give your surgeon a clean space around your eyes to reduce any chance of infection. Your surgeon will also make sure everything is properly sterilized before operating.

Anything that you can do to make sure your face is clean will help as well.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

You won’t have to wear a hospital gown or change into anything for LASIK. Since you’ll have surgery in the clothes you wear, make sure they are comfortable.

They should be loose-fitting and not contain anything that may shed, like faux fur. Sweatpants, closed-toe shoes, and a loose t-shirt is a good outfit to go with.

Think you could be a good candidate for LASIK? Find out by scheduling a LASIK consultation at Ellis Eye in San Francisco, CA!

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