Pre-Operative Care Before LASIK Surgery: A Complete Guide

Preparing properly before your laser vision correction can significantly improve your comfort, safety, and outcomes. If you are considering LASIK or any refractive surgery at the Netram Eye Foundation, here is a detailed guide to the pre-operative care you should follow.

Why Pre-Operative Care Matters

A successful surgery doesn’t start in the operating room—it begins in the days before you walk in. Good pre-operative preparation:

ensures your eye measurements are accurate
reduces risk of infection or complications
helps your body and eyes enter surgery in the best condition
sets the stage for faster healing and better vision outcomes

The video from Netram emphasises that following specific instructions prior to surgery is not optional—it’s essential.

Pre-Op Checklist: What You Should Do

✅ 1. Discontinue Contact Lenses in Advance

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll be asked to stop using them for a period before your surgery so your cornea returns to its natural shape. This helps ensure accurate measurements and a successful outcome.

✅ 2. Clean Eyelids, Avoid Eye Makeup & Skincare Products

On the day of surgery and the day before:

Avoid eye makeup, eye-shadow, mascara
Avoid creams, lotions, perfumes or hairspray near the eyes
Wash your eyelids and face thoroughly
These steps help reduce debris, oil and microbial risk for the surgical day.

✅ 3. Arrange Transportation & Keep Things Comfortable

Since you may receive a mild sedative and your vision may be blurry after the procedure, arrange for someone to drive you home. Also, plan for light activity for the rest of the day—no strenuous work right away.

✅ 4. Follow Food, Medication & Attire Instructions

Eat a light meal unless advised otherwise
Inform the surgeon about all medications or supplements you take (some may need to be paused)
Wear comfortable and clean clothing; avoid jewelry around the face/eyes
A well-managed health status supports safe surgery.

✅ 5. Hydrate, Get Good Sleep & Avoid Alcohol

Ensuring your body is well-rested and hydrated helps with healing and reduces risk of side-effects. Also avoid alcohol and smoking just before surgery. These can affect healing and tear-film stability.

✅ 6. Ask Questions & Understand Your Procedure

Make sure you know the answers to:

Which procedure will be used? (LASIK, SMILE, etc)
What are the expected outcomes, risks and recovery timeline?
What pre-operative assessments have been done?
Being informed helps you go into it confident and reduces anxiety.

Common Pre-Op Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Still wearing contacts too close to surgery. Stop early to ensure accurate corneal shape.
Applying makeup or lotions before surgery. This can increase infection risk.
Neglecting general health or systemic conditions. Uncontrolled conditions (e.g., diabetes) may affect healing.
Not arranging transport/home care after surgery. You should not drive after anaesthesia or sedation.
Going into surgery with unrealistic expectations. Clean vision is typical, but recovery and adaptation vary.

How We Support You at Netram Eye Foundation

At Netram Eye Foundation, we make your pre-operative phase smooth and safe by:

Providing clear written pre-op instructions (based on our video & counselling)
Scheduling all necessary diagnostic tests ahead of surgery
Reviewing your general health and ocular status thoroughly
Preparing you for what to expect on the day of surgery and during recovery

With this preparation, we aim to deliver top-tier results in safety, precision and comfort.

Final Thoughts

The days preceding your LASIK surgery matter just as much as the surgery itself. By following the steps outlined above—discontinuing contact lenses in time, ensuring hygiene, arranging transport, monitoring your health—you set yourself up for the best possible outcome.
If you’re scheduled for surgery at Netram Eye Foundation, review these guidelines carefully, ask any questions you have, and arrive prepared. Your clearer vision begins with the right preparation.

Book your pre-operative appointment today and take the important step toward surgery with confidence and clarity.

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