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Can I eat or drink before my Laser Eye Surgery Procedure?

When undergoing many surgical procedures, you are often asked to avoid eating or drinking after a certain time before the treatment. This fasting period can vary depending on the time of your procedure. While some treatments may simply require you to skip breakfast on the day of the procedure, others can require you to go more than 12 hours without a bite to eat. But what about laser eye surgery? Can you eat or drink before your Laser Eye Surgery procedure?

Surgery and Fasting

Pre-operative fasting is usually required due to the use of general anaesthetic. That’s because general anaesthetic temporarily stops some of the body’s processes and reflexes. For example, if your stomach is full with food and drink once the anaesthetic has been administered, this can increase your risk of vomiting or breathing in food or fluid into your lungs.

While going into surgery feeling a little hungry can seem like an inconvenience, it is a small price to pay to prevent these risks. Still, many of us would prefer to indulge in a little comfort food (or even an alcoholic beverage) when awaiting a surgical procedure. Luckily, the pre-operative fast is often much more relaxed than it used to be – and few procedures are more accommodating than Laser Eye Surgery.

In fact, there are no restrictions on when or what you can eat before your Laser Eye Surgery procedure. We actually encourage patients to enjoy a good meal before arriving at the clinic on the day of their treatment. But don’t worry if you don’t have time to have breakfast – our complimentary chocolates and biscuits will sort you out!

On the other hand, if you’re feeling too anxious to eat a hearty meal before your Laser Eye Surgery, there’s no need to worry. We simply advise that patients have at least something small in their system before heading into the treatment room.

Drinking alcohol before Laser Eye Surgery

So what about that alcoholic drink we mentioned earlier? Well, many people are surprised to learn that consuming a small amount of alcohol on the day or evening before their procedure is generally okay.

However, when we say “a small amount”, we really do mean a glass of wine or a beer – any more than that is not advised.

There are several reasons to avoid over-consumption of alcohol prior to a surgical procedure. In the case of Laser Eye Surgery, alcohol can cause dry eyes, which may present issues when it comes to your treatment. Therefore, it remains preferable that patients abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before their surgery.

Moreover, while it may be tempting to celebrate your newly improved vision with a glass of bubbly, we recommend that you hold off at least until the day after your treatment. The first 24 hours should be spent relaxing, staying hydrated, and avoiding any potential stress to you or your eyes.

A few recommendations to prepare for the day of your Laser Eye Surgery

It is completely normal and reasonable to be nervous about an upcoming surgical procedure. However, being prepared can often help to mitigate many of your pre-surgery nerves. In the days before your Laser Eye Surgery treatment, clinic staff will ensure you know everything you need to know about. Some of the recommendations they will discuss with you include:

  • Arranging accommodation if you are travelling to London for Laser Eye Surgery – our clinic staff can help with this;
  • Making childcare arrangements for your visit to the clinic;
  • Planning sufficient time off work (this can be as little as two days!);
  • Not wearing eye makeup for at least 24 hours before your treatment;
  • Arranging suitable transport to get back home or to your accommodation following your treatment – clinic staff can help you with this;
  • Not wearing perfume or cologne (or any products that contain alcohol) on the day of your treatment;
  • Wearing comfortable clothing – but nothing made of wool or any other material that can generate lint;
  • Being prepared to arrange your aftercare appointments.

If you have any questions about preparing for Laser Eye Surgery, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators – they’re always happy to help! Alternatively, Book a Consultation online today.