Preparing for LASIK: Essential Pre-Surgery Tips & What to Expect

Table Of Content
  • Preparing for LASIK: Things to Know Before Surgery
  • Before Surgery: Do’s and Don’ts
  • Final Thoughts: Being Fully Prepared for LASIK Surgery
  • FAQs About LASIK Preparation & Recovery
  • Reference


 
Before LASIK surgery, a thorough consultation and proper preparation can make a big difference in a smooth experience. During your consultation, you’ll have a detailed eye examination with advanced tools (such as corneal mapping and Wavefront analysis) to map your eyes precisely.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, or outcomes. The team encourages conversation; many patients relax in our waiting room, chatting over coffee with others who have just had or are about to have LASIK. This can help you feel more confident about the journey ahead.

 

Preparing for LASIK: Things to Know Before Surgery

To get the most out of your screening visit, follow these simple pointers.

  • Stop lens wear: Avoiding contact lenses 24 hours before your assessment is generally advised. At your consultation we will guide you on how long before surgery you should avoid lenses. It is usually 7 days, but can in some cases be more.
  • Switch to glasses: If you normally wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for a few days before your consultation. Contact lenses can subtly alter the shape of your cornea, which may affect the accuracy of your eye measurements. According to Shehadeh-Mashor et al. (2020), wearing soft lenses less than 24 hours before LASIK may impact safety outcomes, so it’s best to stop wearing them at least a day in advance.
  • Bring your glasses and prescription: Carry your current spectacles and any existing prescription details. These help us understand your vision needs and tailor the treatment plan for you
  • List any medications: Prepare a list of medications or supplements you take. We’ll review these to ensure nothing will interfere with surgery or recovery.
  • Write down your questions: Jot down any queries or concerns. Your surgeon and optometrist will address everything from technology and expected outcomes to recovery time, so you leave feeling informed and reassured.

 

Before Surgery: Do’s and Don’ts

In the days and hours leading up to LASIK, following a few key instructions helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

  • Follow Pre-Surgery Guidelines: Carefully follow the individualised instructions given at your preoperative assessment before surgery to help ensure everything goes smoothly. These often cover when to stop using contact lenses, which medications or supplements to pause, and how long you should avoid eating or drinking beforehand. It’s important to stick to these guidelines closely to ensure a smooth and safe surgery.
  • Do arrange transportation: You’ll need someone to accompany you on the day of surgery, as driving yourself home won’t be possible. Make sure a reliable friend or family member can handle your transport to and from the clinic.The accompanying person should be there to collect you and help with drops for the first 24 hours, as self administering this is not reliable and can affect the outcome.
  • Do stock up on essentials: Prepare for your recovery in advance. Have any prescribed eye drops, lubricating (preservative-free) artificial tears, or protective eyewear ready at home. Having these on hand will help keep your eyes comfortable during the first few days.
  • Do plan time off: LASIK recovery is usually quick, but you will need at least a day or two to rest afterwards. It’s wise to take a short break from work or other obligations immediately after surgery so you can relax and follow your aftercare routine.
  • Don’t wear contact lenses: Soft contact lenses should be taken out at least a few days before LASIK, and harder (rigid gas-permeable) lenses may require a week or more out of the eye. This gives your cornea time to return to its natural shape. Continuing to sleep in or wear lenses close to the appointment can throw off the measurements.
  • Skip Makeup and Creams: On the day of your LASIK procedure, come with a clean face. Avoid eye makeup, moisturisers, or perfumes, as they can leave residue that may interfere with the laser or raise infection risk. Keep jewellery minimal and leave valuables at home.
  • Don’t eat or drink too close to the procedure: Follow your surgeon’s fasting instructions. Usually, you’ll be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the operation. An empty stomach reduces the risk of nausea or discomfort, even though LASIK is a short outpatient procedure.
  • Don’t neglect aftercare: Post-operative care is part of the treatment. After surgery, we’ll give you a schedule of eye drops and follow-up visits. Be sure to use the drops as directed and come to all appointments. Skipping aftercare can slow healing or affect the final outcome.

 

Final Thoughts: Being Fully Prepared for LASIK Surgery

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your LASIK journey. The key is preparation: arrive relaxed, follow every pre-op guideline, and feel free to ask any and all questions along the way.

Our team at AccuVision prides itself on clear communication and support. We will talk you through each stage to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to book a consultation to discuss LASIK with our specialists. Get in touch with us to book your consultation and begin your journey towards clearer vision.

 

FAQs About LASIK Preparation & Recovery

1. What happens during the LASIK consultation at AccuVision?
You’ll undergo a detailed eye examination using advanced tools like corneal mapping and Wavefront analysis. Our clinicians will review your medical history and discuss your suitability for LASIK.

2. How long before my consultation should I stop wearing contact lenses?
We recommend switching to glasses a few days before your appointment. Soft contact lenses should be stopped 1–2 weeks in advance, as they can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, affecting the accuracy of measurements.

3. What should I bring with me to the consultation?
Bring your current glasses, your most recent prescription, and a list of any medications or supplements you take. Also, consider writing down any questions you want answered during the visit.

4. Can I bring someone with me to the appointment or surgery?
Yes. In fact, we encourage it. Many patients feel more relaxed having someone accompany them, especially as dilating eye drops used during the consultation may blur your vision temporarily. On the day of surgery, a companion is essential to drive you home safely.

5. What should I avoid before the surgery?
Avoid wearing any eye makeup, creams, or accessories on the day of surgery. You’ll also need to follow fasting instructions, usually avoiding food or drink for several hours beforehand.

6. Will I feel any pain during LASIK?
No. Anaesthetic eye drops are applied to numb your eyes. You might feel slight pressure, but the procedure is quick and generally pain-free.

 

Reference

Shehadeh-Mashor, R., Mimouni, M., Shapira, Y., Sela, T., Munzer, G. and Kaiserman, I. (2021). Duration of contact lens removal before myopic refractive surgery. European journal of ophthalmology, [online] 31(4), pp.1695–1699. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1120672120949101.

Book a Consultation
The AccuVision team is not call centre based. We will use the information you provide here to direct your enquiry appropriately and your information is not used for unsolicited marketing or shared with third parties.

    Our dedicated and friendly staff is here to assist you with any questions to ensure you're on the fast track to visual freedom.

    Fill out the form below so we know the best time to reach you or simply call us on0330 123 2020WhatsApp

    The information you have provided may be held on our database. It will not be sold to any third party. Our privacy policy which we are obliged to give you under the GDPR is available here.

    Invest in your visual future
    AccuWave
    Wavefront LASIK Vision Correction
    Summer Offer!
    JUST£1200*per eye
    *Usual price £1800 per eye | *T’s & C’s apply
    Fill in the contact form or call us today to arrange a complimentary screening consultation. Quote “Summer Offer!” when making your enquiry.
    *See T’s & C’s below.

      I agree with terms of use and privacy policy

      The information you have provided may be held on our database. It will not be sold to any third party. Our privacy policy which we are obliged to give you under the GDPR is available here.

      Terms & Conditions
      Offer price of £1200 per eye is valid for:
      • WaveFront Optimised Surgery for both eyes. Offer does not apply to a single eye treatment.
      • Myopic prescriptions under -3.50 dioptres only. Prescriptions with other additional conditions/variations may not be eligible and are subject to a detailed evaluation.
      • Prescriptions outside the eligible range are always competitively priced.
      • This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
      • There are no cash alternatives to this offer.
      • All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcomes through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits including ones specific to your circumstances at the time of your preoperative consultation.
      • AccuVision reserve the right to change or withdraw this offer.