What to Expect Before LASIK Surgery

Before LASIK surgery, you should stop taking certain medications, avoid alcohol and stop wearing contact lenses.

Before LASIK surgery at Henry Ford, you will need to make some basic preparations. We understand that you may also have other questions about what happens during or after this procedure, which can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts.

How do I prepare before LASIK surgery?

There are very few restrictions before LASIK, and your Henry Ford ophthalmologist will discuss them with you prior to surgery. However, here are some general guidelines:

• There are no restrictions on eating or drinking.
• There may be restrictions on certain medications prior to your procedure, which you can discuss with your Henry Ford ophthalmologist.
• You should avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness.
• You should also stop wearing contact lenses.

When should I stop wearing contact lenses before LASIK?

Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea. Since this is the area that’s treated, it’s important to allow time for your cornea to return to its normal curvature by not wearing them before LASIK surgery:

• Soft contact lenses: You should stop wearing these at least 7-10 days before your LASIK surgery.
• Hard or gas permeable contact lenses: You should stop wearing these at least 4 weeks before LASIK surgery.
• If you have worn rigid contact lenses for more than 20 years: You may need to stop wearing them for up to 8-12 weeks before LASIK surgery.

Prior to your LASIK surgery, we can help you determine when to stop wearing your contact lenses and even fit you with disposable contacts or glasses in the interim.

What if I have other questions?

If you have other questions about LASIK, please review our FAQs page or consult with your Henry Ford ophthalmologist.

At Henry Ford, patients come first.

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing our patients with compassionate, personalized care. We feature the most advanced treatments in eye care and are dedicated to vision research – always staying at the forefront of innovation. A leader in Michigan, as well as one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients per year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it.