Contact Lenses Before a LASIK Exam: How Long to Stop Wearing Them and Prepare for Same-Day Surgery

How long should I stop wearing contact lenses before an examination or same-day surgery?

EYEREUM Eye Clinic uses the following preparation guidelines for laser vision correction examinations and same-day surgery. Please attend without wearing contact lenses for at least the periods below.

For soft and hard contact lenses, the required break is longer when you are planning same-day surgery than when you are having an examination only. If you would like your examination and surgery on the same day, tell us when you first book. Choosing your appointment date with the time you will need to wear glasses in mind can make preparation easier.

If you are unsure what type of lenses you wear, tell us the product name or the information on the packaging. If you have received separate preparation instructions, please confirm those as well.

Why do I need to take a break from contact lenses before the examination?

Contact lenses can affect the shape of your cornea while you wear them. We ask you to stop wearing them for a period before your visit so that we can examine your eyes with less influence from lens wear.

The choice of vision correction surgery depends on a comprehensive assessment of your eyes, including not only your prescription for nearsightedness and astigmatism but also corneal shape, thickness, and structural stability. Taking a break from contact lenses helps reduce the effect of lens wear on corneal and refractive measurements, allowing for a more accurate assessment.

What if I have not completed the recommended break or wore lenses during it?

Before your visit, tell the clinic which lenses you used and when you last wore them. If you have not completed the recommended break, your examination or surgery schedule may need to change.

Please also tell us if you wore your lenses only briefly during the break. Give us the date and time you wore them, your appointment date, and whether you would like same-day surgery, so we can confirm whether you should attend as planned. Rather than calculating extra waiting days yourself after wearing lenses again, ask for guidance based on what you actually wore and when.

What should I prepare for the day of the examination?

Bring the glasses you usually wear. Comparing your existing glasses prescription with the examination results can help us assess changes in your vision. If you do not have glasses, bring information we can check, such as lens packaging showing the product name and prescription.

Allow plenty of time for the examination. A detailed examination takes at least two hours. If you are planning same-day surgery, you also need to allow separately for surgery and waiting time, so confirm the overall visit schedule when booking.

Some of the eye drops used during the examination may temporarily cause light sensitivity or blurred near vision. Do not drive yourself home, and plan to use public transportation.

You can find other preparation details in our precautions before an examination.

If you are considering surgery on the day of your examination

Use only basic skincare. Avoid BB cream, sunscreen, and color cosmetics. Do not use perfume or strongly scented hair products. Bring a hat or sunglasses for the journey home. Arrange transport so that you do not drive after surgery, and keep your schedule free of work or other commitments so that you can rest.

Can I have surgery on the day of the examination if I follow the preparation guidelines?

EYEREUM Eye Clinic’s same-day vision correction service means having surgery on the day of your examination after booking in advance and being found suitable for surgery. We assess your eyes using the same equipment and procedures as a regular examination. Your schedule may change if additional tests are needed.

Even if you have completed the contact lens break, the decision about same-day surgery is made after the detailed examination and consultation with the medical team. If you booked an examination only and would like to change to same-day surgery, confirm your lens preparation and appointment schedule before your visit.

If you have a fixed commitment, such as returning to work, traveling to another region, or leaving the country, tell us when booking or during your consultation. Even when your examination and surgery take place on the same day, you need to allow time for postoperative visits and recovery. Please refer to our same-day surgery guide for more preparation details.