Day of Surgery Instructions

Find your care

We offer a wide range of treatments, including laser refractive surgery.

Dress comfortably.
Bring a jacket or sweater, as the procedure room may be cool.
Do not apply any foundation, sun block, facial cream, lotion, perfume, cologne, after-shave, hair spray, or cosmetics. Come in with a clean face and eyelids.
Arrive at the Laser Refractive Center at the time of your scheduled appointment with a “responsible adult” who can drive you home after the procedure. You should not try to drive yourself home.
Bring the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops that your doctor prescribed with you.
Plan to be at the Laser Refractive Center about an hour and a half.
Do not plan any significant activities the rest of the day. Go home. Get into a relatively dark room. Rest or sleep for the next five to six hours. Keep your eyes gently closed during this time.
Take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or Tylenol as needed to manage any eye discomfort or pain you experience.
Do not rub your eyes after the procedure!
If a bandage contact lens is placed in either eye, leave it in and sleep with it until your doctor removes it.
Do not take a shower or get any water into your eyes for the next 24 hours.
These day-of-surgery instructions are generic. Contact your doctor’s office for any additional instructions or exceptions to these instructions.