LASIK Preparation Checklist: How to Get Ready for Surgery Day

Not medical advice. Follow your surgeon’s specific pre-operative instructions, which may differ from general guidelines.

Why preparation matters

LASIK outcomes depend on more than the laser and the surgeon. How well you prepare in the weeks and days before surgery directly affects the accuracy of your measurements and the smoothness of your recovery. Rushing the timeline or skipping steps can lead to postponed procedures, inaccurate corrections, or avoidable complications.

This checklist organizes everything into a clear timeline so nothing falls through the cracks.

Preparation timeline at a glance

2-4 weeks before surgery

Stop wearing contact lenses

This is the single most important preparation step. Contacts reshape your cornea temporarily, and your surgeon needs your cornea in its natural state for accurate measurements. The timeline varies by lens type:

• Soft disposable lenses: Stop at least 5-7 days before your pre-op measurements, and again before surgery day (your surgeon will specify exact timing, often 1-2 weeks).
• Soft toric (astigmatism) lenses: Stop at least 1-2 weeks before measurements.
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: Stop at least 3-4 weeks before measurements. Some surgeons require longer for long-term RGP wearers.
• Hard (PMMA) lenses: Stop at least 4 weeks before, sometimes longer based on corneal mapping results.

If your corneal topography shows residual warping from contacts at your pre-op exam, your surgeon may ask you to stay out of lenses longer and return for repeat measurements. This is not unusual and is a sign of thoroughness.

Complete your pre-operative examination

Your pre-op exam is more comprehensive than a standard eye exam. It typically includes:

• Corneal topography and tomography (mapping shape and thickness)
• Pupil size measurement in dim light
• Wavefront analysis (measuring higher-order aberrations)
• Tear film evaluation
• Dilated retinal exam
• Detailed refraction (your actual prescription without contacts influencing it)

If you have not yet had this exam, see our LASIK Consultation: What Happens and How to Prepare guide.

Start or continue dry eye treatment if recommended

Some surgeons recommend starting preservative-free artificial tears several times daily in the weeks before surgery. If you have borderline dry eye, you may be prescribed additional treatments like warm compresses, omega-3 supplements, or prescription drops. Getting the ocular surface healthy before surgery improves comfort and visual outcomes afterward.

For more on managing dryness, see Managing Dry Eye Before and After LASIK.

1 week before surgery

Review medications with your surgeon

Most routine medications are fine to continue. However, discuss:

• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Most surgeons require stopping this 6-12 months before LASIK due to its effects on corneal healing and dry eye.
• Antihistamines: Some surgeons recommend pausing oral antihistamines a few days before surgery because they can worsen dryness.
• Immunosuppressants: These may affect healing and should be discussed.
• Blood thinners: Generally do not need to be stopped for LASIK (unlike many other surgeries), but confirm with your surgeon.

Do not stop any prescribed medication without your prescribing doctor’s approval.

Arrange transportation

You cannot drive yourself home after LASIK. Your vision will be blurry and your eyes will be light-sensitive. Plan for someone to drive you to and from the surgery center, and ideally to your next-day follow-up appointment as well.

Confirm your appointment details

Verify the date, time, and location. Ask about:

• How early to arrive
• Estimated total time at the center
• Payment if not already settled
• Whether both eyes will be done the same day (this is standard but worth confirming)

Stock your recovery area

Set up a comfortable spot at home with:

• Preservative-free artificial tears (your surgeon may specify a brand)
• Prescribed eye drops (pick up from pharmacy if already prescribed)
• Protective eye shields (usually provided by the surgery center)
• Sunglasses for light sensitivity
• Audiobooks, podcasts, or music (you will want to rest your eyes)

Day before surgery

Skip makeup and fragrances

Starting the day before surgery, avoid:

• Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow)
• Face creams, moisturizers, or serums around the eye area
• Perfume, cologne, or scented hair products (aerosol particles can settle on the cornea)

These products leave residues that can interfere with the laser or increase infection risk. Some surgeons extend this restriction to 2-3 days before surgery.

Get a good night’s sleep

Rest matters. Fatigue can increase anxiety, affect your ability to hold still during the procedure, and reduce tear production. Avoid alcohol the night before, as it can contribute to dehydration and dryness.

Review your post-operative instructions

Read through the post-op care instructions your surgeon provided so you know what to expect. Understanding the drop schedule and activity restrictions in advance reduces confusion when you are groggy after surgery.

Morning of surgery

Clean your face thoroughly

Wash your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Pay special attention to the eyelid margins and lash line. Do not apply any products afterward — no moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, or hair products.

Eat a light meal

There is no fasting requirement for LASIK (unlike general anesthesia procedures). A light meal helps you feel comfortable and prevents lightheadedness. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that might cause nausea if you are anxious.

Dress comfortably

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid anything that pulls over your head (like tight sweaters or turtlenecks) because you will want to avoid bumping your eyes when changing later. A button-down shirt or zip-up hoodie is ideal.

Leave valuables at home

The surgery center will have you store personal items. Keep things simple.

What to bring on surgery day

• Photo ID and insurance card (if applicable)
• Payment or financing paperwork if not pre-arranged
• Prescribed eye drops (some centers provide them; others have you bring your own)
• Sunglasses (dark, wraparound style for the ride home)
• A driver who can stay or return when you are done
• Your phone with someone’s contact number accessible (your driver’s, for pickup coordination)
• Comfort items: a blanket or pillow for the car ride home if desired

You do not need to bring your glasses or contacts. Your surgeon has your prescription on file.

Medication considerations in detail

Prescription eye drops

Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to begin the day before or the morning of surgery. Follow the exact schedule provided. Starting these drops on time helps prevent infection and control inflammation from the first moments after the procedure.

Sedative medications

Many LASIK centers offer a mild oral sedative (such as diazepam or lorazepam) to help you relax during the procedure. If your surgeon offers this, it will typically be taken 30-60 minutes before the laser. This is another reason you need a driver.

Allergy medications

If you have seasonal allergies, discuss management with your surgeon. Uncontrolled allergies can cause eye rubbing (dangerous after LASIK) and inflammation. Your surgeon may recommend specific allergy drops or oral medications that do not excessively dry the eyes.

Common preparation mistakes

• Not stopping contacts long enough: This is the most common reason procedures get rescheduled. When in doubt, stop earlier.
• Wearing perfume or makeup on surgery day: Even if you think it is “light,” residues matter.
• Forgetting to fill prescriptions: Pick up your post-op drops before surgery day so they are ready when you get home.
• Not arranging backup transportation: Plans change. Have a second option in case your ride falls through.
• Skipping the pre-op instructions review: The first hours after surgery are not the time to figure out your drop schedule.

What happens if you are not properly prepared

If you arrive and your surgeon finds residual contact lens warping, makeup residue, or other issues, the procedure may be postponed. This is frustrating but protective. An accurate procedure depends on accurate measurements, and a clean surgical field depends on a clean ocular surface.

After preparation: what to expect on surgery day

The procedure itself typically takes 10-15 minutes for both eyes. You will be awake, with numbing drops keeping you comfortable. A lid holder prevents blinking. You will be asked to look at a light, and the laser portion takes less than a minute per eye.

For a detailed walkthrough of the procedure and recovery, see the LASIK Recovery Timeline: Hour-by-Hour to Month 3 guide.

Related guides

• LASIK Consultation: What Happens and How to Prepare
• LASIK Eye Drops: What You’ll Need and For How Long
• LASIK Recovery Timeline: Hour-by-Hour to Month 3
• Managing Dry Eye Before and After LASIK
• Top Questions to Ask at Your LASIK Consultation

Bottom line

Thorough preparation reduces surprises and sets the stage for the best possible outcome. Follow the timeline, stop contacts on schedule, and arrive on surgery day with a clean face, a clear plan, and a reliable ride home.