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When considering laser vision correction, preparation is just as important as the procedure itself. You want the best possible outcome: clearer vision, greater freedom from glasses and contacts, and confidence going into treatment day. But that only happens when you understand what to expect and how to get your eyes ready. By taking the right steps early, you set the stage for safer surgery, smoother healing, and results that align with your long-term vision goals.

At Magruder Laser Vision in Orlando, preparation is an essential part of your care experience. Long before you enter the treatment suite, our team ensures you have the information and support you need. In this article, you’ll learn the key preparation guidelines to follow so you can arrive for your laser vision correction procedure fully ready for a successful outcome.

Schedule your comprehensive eye evaluation

Your preparation begins with a detailed eye exam. This appointment determines whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK, SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL, or another method of correction.

During this evaluation, your eye surgeon will assess corneal thickness, your prescription stability, your overall eye health, and any factors that may affect healing. This is also the perfect time to ask questions: what results you can expect, what the recovery timeline looks like, and whether you should make any lifestyle changes beforehand.

The findings from this visit guide your treatment plan and help ensure you select the safest, most effective procedure for your eyes.

Follow the instructions about discontinuing contact lenses

Contact lenses can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, which affects the accuracy of your pre-operative measurements.

Your surgeon will tell you how long to stop wearing them before your evaluation and procedure, typically several days for soft lenses and longer for rigid lenses. This “lens holiday” is crucial because the laser’s calibration relies on precise corneal mapping. When you follow these guidelines, you help ensure your results are accurate, predictable, and long-lasting.

Review and follow all pre-procedure instructions

In the days leading up to treatment, you’ll receive instructions customized to your procedure type and eye findings. These may include stopping certain medications, avoiding specific activities, or adjusting your routine to reduce the risk of irritation and dryness. You may also be asked to begin lubricating eye drops before the procedure if you’re prone to dryness.

These instructions protect your eye health and help create the ideal environment for the laser to perform safely and accurately. Even small steps, like avoiding smoke exposure or getting adequate sleep, can support smoother healing and clearer early vision.

Avoid eye makeup, lotions, and creams before surgery

Cosmetics and skincare products around the eyes can harbor bacteria, flakes, and oils, increasing the risk of irritation or infection. Most surgeons recommend avoiding eye makeup, mascara, eyeliner, lotions, and heavy facial creams for at least 24 to 48 hours beforehand.

Make sure to thoroughly remove any residue the night before your procedure. Clean, makeup-free skin helps keep the treatment area sterile and lowers the chance of contamination.

Plan for transportation and support on procedure day

Although laser vision correction involves no downtime, your vision may be foggy immediately afterward. For safety, arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment.

It’s also helpful to have a support person who can stay with you for the first few hours while you rest your eyes. This ensures you don’t have to strain, worry about logistics, or expose your eyes to unnecessary stress during the early healing period.

Prepare your home for a comfortable recovery

Before your procedure, take a little time to prepare your home environment to promote rest and healing. Clean your space to reduce dust and irritants, adjust lighting to prepare for light sensitivity, and minimize clutter so you can move around easily without straining your eyes.

Stocking up on easy meals, hydration, and any recommended medications or eye drops means you’ll be able to follow post-operative care instructions without interruption. Creating a quiet, calm space allows your eyes to relax during the first hours when rest is essential.

Stay hydrated and maintain good overall wellness

Healthy eyes start with a healthy body. In the days before your procedure, prioritize hydration, balanced meals, and rest. Dehydration can worsen dryness, fatigue can affect your comfort level the day of surgery, and good nutrition supports your natural healing processes.

Avoid excessive alcohol, stay well-rested, and protect your eyes from irritants like wind, smoke, or excessive screen time. Even though the procedure itself is fast, the quality of your healing depends significantly on how well you prepare in the days leading up to it.

Preparing properly for your laser vision correction is one of the most powerful ways to ensure a comfortable experience. With the right steps, from discontinuing contacts and following pre-op instructions to planning for recovery and supporting your overall wellness, you set yourself up for success. Magruder Laser Vision is committed to guiding you through every stage of preparation so you feel supported and ready for a more liberated way of seeing the world. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.