10-Minute Surgery, Days of Prep: Essential Pre-Op Checklist for LASIK, LASEK, & SMILE

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2026.09.30

10-Minute Surgery, Days of Prep: Essential Pre-Op Checklist for LASIK, LASEK, & SMILE

Hello from BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower!

During vision correction consultations, we are frequently asked: "If the surgery takes only 10 minutes, can I just show up without preparation?", "Are there any insider tips for a successful procedure?", or "What do I need for a smooth recovery?"

While the procedure itself takes just about ten minutes, thorough preparation is key to ensuring those ten minutes are completely safe and successful. Today, we share essential pre-op guidelines and practical tips frequently highlighted in our consultation room.

Whether you are preparing for a break, a new job, enlistment, or simply seeking relief from long-term contact lens discomfort, these guidelines will help ensure optimal results.

1. Discontinue Contact Lens Use

One of the most critical steps before surgery is pausing contact lens wear. Thorough pre-operative examinations measure corneal thickness, curvature, and dryness. Contact lenses alter the shape of your cornea by resting directly on it, which distorts diagnostic test results.

  • Soft Lenses: Stop wearing at least 5 days prior
  • Hard / Ortho-K (Dream) Lenses: Stop wearing at least 2 weeks prior

Strict compliance with these timeframes is mandatory for accurate measurements and a safe procedure. Please pause lens wear for just a few days for the best outcome.

2. Strictly Avoid Excessive Drinking

Abstaining from alcohol prior to surgery is just as vital as post-op care. Alcohol disrupts your body's hydration balance, causing severe dry eyes, and dilates blood vessels, which leads to eye redness.

If patients attend social gatherings involving heavy drinking the night before, surgeries often have to be rescheduled. Please refrain from alcohol during the short preparation period.

Common Consultation Questions & Condition Management

Factors like late-night screen time or sleep deprivation significantly impact surgical readiness. Fatigue directly affects corneal dryness and recovery capacity.

After surgery, limit screen time on smartphones and PCs while your corneas remain sensitive. Prolonged device use increases strain and dryness. Additionally, eye makeup must be avoided immediately around the procedure date to prevent irritation.

Why These Preparations Matter

LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE outcomes rely heavily on post-operative healing. Minor daily habits can impair recovery speed or exacerbate dryness. Small choices directly impact long-term surgical stability.

  • Ensure Adequate Sleep: Fatigue increases eye dryness.
  • Reduce Caffeine: Excessive caffeine intake worsens dry eyes.
  • Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Prevents corneal mechanical stress.
  • Minimize Digital Screen Time: Reduces strain before and after surgery.
  • No Eye Makeup on Surgery Day: Mascara and eyeliner cause irritation.
Optometrist's Pro-Tip: Keep a Condition LogRecord any eye discomfort before and after surgery and bring your notes to follow-up clinic visits. Detailed feedback allows our doctors to tailor your care plan precisely.

Preparing for Vision Correction Surgery?

BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower guides you through every step for a safe, comfortable recovery.

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