What Precautions To Take Before and After Lasik Eye Surgery?

  Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by Aaron Barriga

It is important to take care of your eyes. Sometimes you may experience eye defects like astigmatism, bifocal vision, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. LASIK eye surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct eye defects. Here are some precautions that you need to take before, during, and after surgery.

What to do Before LASIK Surgery?

1. The Consultation and Candidacy Evaluation

Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, which is why a thorough pre-operative evaluation is the first and most important step. During this visit, your ophthalmologist will assess:

• Corneal thickness: the laser removes tissue from the cornea, so it must be thick enough to safely accommodate the procedure.
• Pupil size: larger pupils can increase the risk of halos and glare at night.
• Prescription stability: your vision should have remained relatively unchanged for at least one to two years.
• Dry eye severity: LASIK can worsen dry eye, so significant pre-existing dryness may disqualify you or require treatment beforehand.
• Overall eye health: conditions like keratoconus, cataracts, or glaucoma may rule out LASIK.

You may be advised to explore alternative procedures such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or SMILE if LASIK isn’t suitable for your eyes.

2. Stopping Contact Lens Use

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll be asked to stop wearing them before your consultation, not just before surgery. Contacts alter the shape of your cornea, which can affect the measurements your surgeon needs for accurate results.

• Soft lenses: Stop wearing them at least 2 weeks before your evaluation
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: Stop wearing them at least 4 weeks before
• Extended wear or specialty lenses: Your doctor will provide specific instructions

Switch to glasses during this period and avoid wearing your contact lenses again between appointments.

3. Understanding the Risks

LASIK has an excellent safety profile, but it is still a surgery. Before proceeding, make sure you understand the potential risks:

• Dry eye syndrome — temporary or, rarely, chronic dry eyes is the most common side effect.
• Halos, glare, and starbursts — especially noticeable at night, around headlights and streetlights.
• Undercorrection or overcorrection — in some cases, a follow-up “enhancement” procedure may be needed.
• Regression — your vision may gradually shift over the years, though this is uncommon.
• Flap complications — rare but possible with traditional LASIK (bladeless/all-laser LASIK reduces this risk).

Your surgeon should walk you through all of these openly. If they don’t, ask.

24-48 Hour Before Surgery 

• Avoid eye makeup, creams, and perfumes on the day of surgery: these increase the risk of infection.
• Arrange transportation: You will not be able to drive yourself home.
• Get a good night’s sleep: Being well-rested helps with anxiety and recovery.
• Dress comfortably: You’ll be lying under a laser, so comfort matters.
• Ask questions: If anything is unclear about aftercare instructions, now is the time to ask.

What Happens During LASIK Surgery?

1. The lasik surgery procedure lasts for 30 minutes. During the surgery, a mechanical microkeratome or laser keratome will be used. Your vision may be reduced, or you might have some sort of pain during the surgery. Your vision may be blurred, so you will have to stare at a light for about 60 seconds. You are not the right candidate for LASIK if you cannot stare at this light for 60 seconds.
2. A shield will be placed over your eye at the end of the surgery. You must wear it.
3. You must not work on the day of the surgery.

What to do After LASIK Surgery?

• You must have transportation available to take you home after the surgery.
• You will have some pain in your eye after the surgery, but you must not rub the eye or touch it.
• You must take plenty of rest. Take some days off from work, university, or school. If the pain increases and you feel a lot of tenderness in the eye, please contact the surgeon.
• You must see the doctor within four to forty-eight hours after the surgery. You must also visit the doctor for the first six months at regular intervals after the procedure.
• You will be given eye drops to lubricate your eyes. You must use these eye drops. Any medication to reduce pain and antibiotics must also be taken. Take precautions to prevent eye infections.
• You must wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight and dust.
• Don’t watch television or use computers for up to twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the procedure.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for a couple of weeks after the surgery.
• Don’t use contact lenses until your eye heals, and also follow your doctor’s advice.
• Don’t take a shower for twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the procedure, and after that, take a bath instead of the shower.
• You should not work for some weeks after the procedure.
• You must wait for up to four weeks before indulging in any sports.
• Don’t use creams, lotions, and eye makeup for up to two weeks after the procedure.
• Do not indulge in swimming activities, hot tubs, or whirlpools two to three months after the procedure.

Contact your doctor if there is pain and heaviness in your eyes. Taking care of your eyes is very important to avoid complications before and after the LASIK surgery. If there is any problem with your eyes, then you must consult your surgeon immediately.

You must follow the advice of your doctor, and your eyes will be healthy and your vision will be restored after LASIK.

Get Hasle-free LASIK Eye Surgery at InSight Vision Center, Fresno, CA

At InSight Vision Center, patients receive personalized LASIK care backed by advanced technology and experienced eye surgeons. From your initial free LASIK consultation to post-operative follow-up care, the team focuses on helping you achieve clearer vision safely and comfortably.

Whether you want to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, InSight Vision Center offers customized LASIK treatment plans designed around your unique vision needs. The clinic also provides flexible financing options, making LASIK more accessible and affordable for eligible patients.

If you are considering LASIK eye surgery in Fresno or Madera, scheduling a consultation with InSight Vision Center can help you understand your candidacy, expected results, and available treatment options.