Your journey
What to expect before LASIK
Reviewed by Rajesh Khanna, MD
A few simple steps in the days before surgery give Dr. Khanna the most accurate measurements and keep your surgery day smooth.
Contact Lens Removal Before LASIK
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. To get the sharpest possible measurements and outcome, lenses must be left out ahead of time.
Soft contact lenses
- Stop soft contact lenses at least 3–7 days before your LASIK procedure.
- If you wear soft toric lenses for astigmatism, you may be asked to stop for up to 2 weeks.
Gas permeable / hard lenses
If you accidentally wear lenses after the cutoff date, tell the office. Your surgeon may decide to repeat measurements or adjust your surgery date.
- Gas permeable or hard lenses are usually stopped for 3–4 weeks or longer.
- The exact timing is individualized based on your lens type and wear history.
Antibiotic or Combination Eye Drops Before LASIK
To reduce the risk of infection, you will start either an antibiotic drop or a combination drop (antibiotic + steroid ± NSAID) the day before surgery.
Typical pre-op drop schedule
- Medication: An antibiotic (such as Moxifloxacin) or a prescribed combo drop.
- Start: 1 day before your LASIK procedure.
- Dose: 1 drop in each eye, 4 times per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bedtime).
- Continue the same drop on the morning of surgery, unless told otherwise.
- Bring all eye drop bottles with you on surgery day.
Day of Your LASIK Procedure
Fragrance, makeup, and skin products
- No perfumes, colognes, or scented lotions on your face, neck, hair, or chest.
- Remove all facial and eye makeup the night before surgery.
- Do not wear any eye makeup on surgery day; make sure there is no mascara or eyeliner residue along the lashes.
- Avoid hair spray or strong-smelling styling products.
Food, drink, and medications
- Eat a light meal before your procedure.
- You may take your usual medications as necessary, unless told otherwise.
- No alcoholic beverages on the day of your procedure.
- No smoking on the day of surgery.
Transportation and support
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you to and from the surgery center.
- You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
What to bring
- Your prescribed eye drops.
- Sunglasses to wear home.
- Your ID and insurance card (if applicable).
- A list of medications and allergies.
Quick day-of checklist
- Stopped contact lenses for the recommended time.
- Started antibiotic/combo drops yesterday.
- No fragrance, lotions, or makeup today.
- Driver arranged for ride home.
- Sunglasses and eye drops in your bag.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be awake during LASIK?
Yes. LASIK is done with numbing eye drops and often a mild oral sedative. You will feel pressure and see light, but you should not feel sharp pain.
Can I drive myself home after LASIK?
No. You must have a driver take you home. Vision is usually good enough to drive by the next day, once your surgeon confirms it is safe.
How long will I be at the surgery center?
Plan on being there for about 1–2 hours, including check-in, pre-op preparation, the procedure itself, and immediate post-op instructions.
What if I feel sick or have a bad cold the day of surgery?
Call the office. Your surgeon may prefer to reschedule if you cannot lie comfortably or keep your eyes still during the procedure.
General information, not medical advice. Your surgeon’s written instructions take priority over this page. Questions? Call (310) 482-1240.