What are the do’s and don’ts before LASIK eye surgery
You’ve decided to have LASIK—or you’re seriously thinking about it. Great choice! LASIK is safe, fast, and life-changing. But like any procedure, good preparation can make all the difference.
So, what should you do before LASIK? And just as importantly, what should you avoid? Let’s walk through the essential do’s and don’ts before your laser eye surgery.
DO: Take the day off
You won’t be able to drive after the procedure, so it’s best to take the entire day off work or other responsibilities.
Pro tip: Plan for a quiet day and a good night’s rest after the procedure.
DON’T: Wear makeup, creams, or perfume
On the day of your surgery, skip:
- Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow)
- Face creams or lotions
- Perfume or cologne
These can introduce particles or vapors into the laser room, which we want to keep sterile and clean.
DO: Arrange a lift home
You cannot drive yourself home after LASIK. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home, or plan for a ride service.
DON’T: Wear contact lenses before your evaluation or surgery
Contact lenses can subtly change the shape of your cornea. To get accurate measurements for your LASIK procedure, you’ll need to switch to glasses for a few days or weeks before surgery, depending on your lens type.
Our team will tell you exactly how long to stay out of contacts.
DO: Eat a light meal
Yes, you can eat before LASIK—and you should. Just go for something light and easy to digest.
DON’T: Take sedatives or medications unless instructed
Unless your doctor gives you something to take beforehand, don’t self-medicate for nerves. If you’re feeling anxious, talk to our team—they may offer a mild sedative on the day.
DO: Follow all pre-op instructions
Our team will give you simple instructions before surgery. These may include:
- When to stop contacts
- When to stop eye makeup
- When to start using pre-surgery eye drops
Following these steps helps ensure the safest, most accurate outcome.
DON’T: Stress yourself out
We get it—eye surgery can feel scary. But LASIK is one of the safest and most predictable elective procedures today. Millions of people have done it, and most say it was easier than going to the dentist.
Trust the process. You’re in good hands.
A smooth surgery starts with the right prep
Taking the time to do things right before LASIK sets you up for an easier, smoother recovery—and the clear vision you’ve been waiting for.
Not sure if LASIK is right for you?
Before you get too far into your prep, find out if you’re a candidate. Take our free suitability test in just a few minutes.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
