Pre-LASIK Preparation
Determining If You Are a LASIK Candidate
We typically recommend LASIK for patients who are at least 18 years old, though waiting until age 21 or older is often ideal. Your prescription needs to be stable for at least one to two years before surgery.
If your glasses or contact lens prescription has changed significantly in the past year, we may ask you to wait until your vision stabilizes. This stability helps ensure that the correction we make during LASIK will remain accurate over time.
Certain eye conditions can make LASIK less suitable or require additional evaluation. We will carefully check for any issues that might affect your candidacy or surgical planning.
- Keratoconus or other corneal irregularities that weaken the cornea
- Glaucoma or elevated eye pressure that is not well controlled
- Cataracts that significantly affect your vision
- Active eye infections or chronic inflammation
- Severe dry eye that has not responded to treatment
Your overall health plays an important role in determining whether LASIK is right for you. We need to know about any autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or conditions that affect wound healing.
Medications such as isotretinoin for acne or immunosuppressants may need to be discontinued or evaluated before we proceed. Always bring a complete list of your current medications and supplements to your consultation so we can review them together.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily alter your vision and corneal shape. We recommend waiting until you have finished breastfeeding and your menstrual cycle has returned to normal before scheduling LASIK.
This waiting period typically allows your prescription to stabilize and ensures that the measurements we take will be accurate for long-term results. Hormonal fluctuations can also increase dry eye symptoms, which may affect healing.
LASIK involves reshaping the cornea by removing a small amount of tissue. We need to confirm that your corneas are thick enough to safely perform the procedure while leaving adequate tissue for structural integrity.
Patients with very thin corneas or irregular corneal shapes may be better candidates for alternative procedures such as PRK or implantable contact lenses. Our detailed measurements will help us determine the safest option for your eyes.
Understanding what LASIK can and cannot achieve is essential for satisfaction with your results. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, but some may still need glasses for certain tasks like night driving or reading.
We will discuss your daily activities, hobbies, and visual goals to ensure LASIK aligns with your lifestyle. Factors such as your occupation, sports participation, and visual demands at work all influence whether LASIK is the best choice for you.
Your Pre-LASIK Eye Examination
Your pre-LASIK examination begins with a complete assessment of your overall eye health. We check the front and back of your eyes to identify any conditions that might affect surgery or healing.
- Examination of the cornea surface for scars or irregularities
- Assessment of the lens for early cataract formation
- Evaluation of the retina and optic nerve for any disease
- Measurement of eye pressure to screen for glaucoma
Corneal topography creates a detailed map of your cornea surface, showing its shape and curvature. This technology helps us detect subtle irregularities and plan the precise laser treatment pattern.
We also measure corneal thickness using a device called a pachymeter. These measurements are critical for determining how much tissue can be safely removed and whether you have sufficient corneal strength for LASIK.
We measure your pupil size in both bright and dim lighting conditions. Larger pupils may increase the risk of night vision symptoms such as halos or glare after LASIK, which we factor into our treatment planning.
Refraction testing determines your exact prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. We perform this testing multiple times to ensure accuracy and may use both automated instruments and manual techniques.
Healthy tear production is important for comfortable healing after LASIK. We evaluate the quality and quantity of your tears to identify any dry eye issues that should be treated before surgery.
- Tear breakup time to assess tear film stability
- Schirmer test to measure tear production volume
- Examination of the eyelid margins for inflammation
- Assessment of the ocular surface for dryness signs
A thorough review of your medical history helps us identify any factors that might affect your surgery or recovery. We ask about past eye injuries, surgeries, and any family history of eye disease.
Be sure to mention all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take regularly. Some substances can affect bleeding, healing, or surgical outcomes, and we may recommend adjustments to your routine before and after LASIK.
Preparing in the Weeks Before LASIK
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea, which would affect the accuracy of our measurements and surgical planning. We require all patients to stop wearing contacts for a specific period before their pre-operative examination and surgery.
- Soft contact lenses: stop wearing at least one to two weeks before
- Toric soft lenses for astigmatism: discontinue two weeks before
- Rigid gas permeable lenses: stop at least three to four weeks before
- Extended wear lenses: remove and avoid for two weeks or longer
Some medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk or interfere with healing. We may recommend temporarily stopping aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E unless you take them for a critical medical condition.
Always consult with the physician who prescribed any medication before making changes. If you take blood thinners for heart or stroke prevention, we will coordinate with your prescribing doctor to determine the safest approach.
If we identify dry eye or inflammation during your evaluation, we will recommend treatment before proceeding with LASIK. Optimizing your ocular surface health can significantly improve your comfort and visual results after surgery.
Treatment may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, warm compresses, or eyelid hygiene. We want these conditions well controlled before surgery day to support the best possible healing environment.
You will not be able to drive yourself home after LASIK, so arrange for a responsible adult to take you to and from your appointment. Plan for this person to stay with you or be available during the first few hours after the procedure.
Most patients take one to three days off work, though some return the next day depending on their job requirements. If your work involves dusty environments, heavy computer use, or physical labor, you may need a longer break to protect your eyes during early healing.
Set up a comfortable, quiet space at home where you can rest with your eyes closed for several hours after surgery. Gather supplies ahead of time so you do not need to search for them when your vision is blurry.
- Prescription eye drops and artificial tears we provide
- Clean tissues and a small trash bin near your resting area
- Protective eye shields for sleeping
- Sunglasses to wear outdoors and in bright light
- Entertainment that does not require prolonged visual focus
While serious complications are rare, you should know which symptoms require prompt attention. Contact our office immediately if you experience any concerning changes before your scheduled surgery date.
- Sudden vision loss or significant vision decrease
- Eye pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Redness, discharge, or signs of eye infection
- Injury to your eye or surrounding area
- New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
Final Preparations on Surgery Day
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on surgery day. Avoid garments that need to be pulled over your head, as you will want to minimize contact with your face and eyes after the procedure.
Bring your photo identification, insurance information, and payment for any balances due. Leave valuables at home, and bring your sunglasses to wear when leaving the surgical center.
You may eat a light meal before your LASIK appointment unless we provide different instructions. Staying hydrated and having some food in your system can help you feel more comfortable during the procedure.
Take your regular medications as prescribed unless we have specifically told you to skip or adjust them. If you have questions about a particular medication on surgery day, call our office before your appointment.
Do not wear any eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow, on surgery day. Makeup particles can increase infection risk and interfere with the surgical process.
- Avoid lotions, creams, or perfumes on your face and neck
- Do not use hair spray, gel, or other hair products
- Wash your face thoroughly with mild soap the morning of surgery
- Skip facial moisturizers and sunscreen around the eye area
Feeling some nervousness before surgery is completely normal. We will explain each step of the procedure and answer any last-minute questions to help you feel more at ease.
Practice slow, deep breathing exercises before your appointment to help calm your mind and body. Remember that LASIK is a quick procedure, and our team will be with you throughout the entire process to ensure your comfort and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
The required contact lens discontinuation period depends on the type of lenses you wear. Soft lens wearers typically need to stop one to two weeks before their evaluation and surgery, while rigid gas permeable lens users should allow three to four weeks or more for their corneas to return to their natural shape.
You may wear makeup the day before your LASIK procedure, but remove it completely that evening with a gentle cleanser. Start your surgery day with a freshly washed face and avoid applying any cosmetics, especially around the eye area, to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria or particles during surgery.
If you develop a cold, flu, or other illness shortly before your scheduled surgery, contact our office to discuss whether you should reschedule. Active infections, severe congestion, or frequent coughing can affect your comfort during the procedure and may increase complication risks, so we may recommend postponing until you have fully recovered.
In most cases, you should continue taking your regular prescription medications on surgery day with a small sip of water. However, we may give you specific instructions about certain medications during your pre-operative visit, so follow any guidance we provide and call our office if you are unsure about a particular drug.
While you do not necessarily need someone to remain with you for the entire first day, having a trusted adult available for the first few hours is helpful. Your vision will be blurry immediately after LASIK, and you may feel more comfortable having assistance with tasks like using your eye drops or finding your way around your home safely.
Getting Help for Pre-LASIK Preparation
Our team is here to support you through every stage of preparing for LASIK surgery. If you have questions about candidacy, pre-operative instructions, or what to expect during your evaluation, we encourage you to reach out so we can provide the personalized guidance you need for a successful experience.