What sunglasses do I need after LASIK?

Wrap-around sunglasses with 100% UV-A and UV-B protection. Polarised lenses are strongly recommended as they reduce glare significantly. The wrap-around style matters because it blocks light entering from the sides, which causes discomfort when corneal nerves are still regenerating. Budget $30-$80 for a quality pair.

How many bottles of artificial tears do I need?

Plan for four to six bottles of preservative-free artificial tears for the first month. You will use drops every one to two hours in the first week, tapering to four to six times daily by week two. Preservative-free is essential -- preserved drops can irritate healing corneas. In Colombia, these cost $3-$6 per bottle versus $10-$15 in the US.

Do I need eye shields after LASIK?

Yes. Your surgeon will provide clear plastic eye shields to wear while sleeping for the first week. These prevent you from rubbing your eyes during sleep, which could dislodge the corneal flap. If your clinic does not provide them, medical tape and smooth plastic eye shields are available at any pharmacy.

What should I download before LASIK?

Download audiobooks, podcasts, or music playlists before surgery. Screen time should be minimal for the first two to three days. Having audio entertainment ready means you are not tempted to stare at your phone during the critical early healing period.

The Post-LASIK Recovery Gear Checklist: Everything to Buy Before Surgery Day

Bottom line: LASIK recovery is straightforward, but being prepared makes it comfortable rather than frustrating. Buy and pack these items before your procedure -- most are inexpensive, and having everything ready means your first post-operative day is about resting, not scrambling for supplies.

Before You Leave Home

Sunglasses (non-negotiable)

Wrap-around, 100% UV-A/UV-B blocking, polarised. This is the single most important recovery purchase. You will wear these from the moment you leave the clinic, outdoors and possibly indoors for the first 24 hours. If you are having LASIK in Medellín, the equatorial UV at altitude makes quality sunglasses even more important than for a sea-level recovery. Budget $30-$80 for a pair that blocks light from all angles.

Audio entertainment

Download two to three days' worth of podcasts, audiobooks, or music before surgery. Screens are uncomfortable and inadvisable for the first 48 hours. Having audio ready eliminates the temptation to check your phone. Good options: a long audiobook series, podcast backlogs, or curated playlists. Download, don't stream -- you don't want to fiddle with your phone screen to find content.

Comfort items for the flight home

If you are flying home within a week of surgery: a sleep mask for the flight (blocks overhead lights and prevents unconscious eye rubbing), preservative-free artificial tears in carry-on (use every 30-60 minutes during the flight -- cabin air is extremely dry), and your sunglasses for the airport.

Buy in Colombia (Cheaper There)

Preservative-free artificial tears

Your surgeon will recommend a specific brand or type. In Colombia, preservative-free tears cost $3-$6 per bottle compared to $10-$15 in the US. Buy four to six bottles. The preservative-free formulation matters -- preserved drops contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which can irritate healing corneal epithelium.

Prescribed eye drops

Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotic drops (typically moxifloxacin) and anti-inflammatory drops (typically prednisolone or dexamethasone). Fill these prescriptions at a Colombian pharmacy -- the same medications cost a fraction of US prices. Ask your surgeon to write prescriptions using generic names.

💡 Pharmacy Tip

The Droguería chains in Medellín (La Rebaja, Pasteur, Cruz Verde) stock all standard ophthalmic medications. Show the prescription with the generic name and the pharmacist will find the exact product. No appointment needed, no insurance hassle, and prices are displayed. A bottle of preservative-free tears that costs $14 at a US pharmacy costs $4 at a Colombian one.

Provided by Your Clinic (Confirm)

Most reputable clinics provide the following in their post-operative kit. Confirm before your procedure that yours includes:

Item	Purpose	Usually Provided?
Clear eye shields	Protect eyes during sleep (prevents rubbing)	Yes -- worn for 5-7 nights
First set of prescribed drops	Antibiotic + anti-inflammatory	Usually -- confirm
Post-operative instruction sheet	Drop schedule, restrictions, emergency contacts	Yes
Dark sunglasses	Immediate post-procedure protection	Some clinics provide basic pairs

Screen and Environment Setup

Before surgery, prepare your recovery space. Set phone brightness to 30-40% and enable dark mode across all apps. Set up voice assistants (Siri, Google, Alexa) to handle tasks without screen interaction. Arrange your accommodation so you can navigate without bright overhead lighting -- table lamps with warm bulbs rather than ceiling fluorescents. If your rental has blackout curtains, you will appreciate them on day one.

The 20-20-20 Rule (Starting Day 3)

When you resume screen use around day three, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds. This reduces corneal strain during healing and helps prevent the dry-eye spike that sustained near focus causes. Set a phone timer if you tend to lose track of time at screens.

For the day-by-day recovery timeline, see the first 48 hours. For managing dry eye during recovery, the dry eye guide covers everything from drops to punctal plugs.

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Read more: | First 48 Hours | Dry Eye Management