Your eyelashes may get slightly damp during LASIK, but they are carefully cleaned, taped, and kept out of the way for your safety and to prevent interference with the eye surgery.
Sterile eye drops and saline may touch your lashes, but the procedure is designed to shield your eyelashes from significant wetting or contamination.
Feeling anxious about what happens to your eyelashes during LASIK? For many people, concerns extend beyond the actual surgery to small details, like whether their eyelashes get wet or are at risk of causing an infection. Below, discover what happens to your lashes during LASIK, how the team keeps them clean and dry, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Lashes can get mildly damp from sterile drops/saline during LASIK, but they are not soaked.
- Clinicians clean the lids/lashes, drape or tape them away, and use a speculum to keep them out of the field.
- The process maintains a sterile environment to reduce infection risk and prevent lash interference.
- Arrive without eye makeup; avoid rubbing your eyes after surgery and follow post‑op instructions.
Understanding LASIK: What Happens in the Operating Room?
During LASIK, your eye is numbed, gently held open with a speculum, and kept clear with sterile saline and lubricating drops. The laser reshapes your cornea in minutes while clinicians maintain a clean, dry field around the treatment area.
Will My Eyelashes Get Wet During LASIK?
Your eyes are irrigated with sterile saline and lubricating drops, so it’s normal for your lashes to get a bit damp. However, the amount of moisture is minimal and controlled. The main purpose is to keep your eyes comfortable and clean during surgery.
- Lashes are not soaked: The saline and drops are directed precisely onto the eye, not poured over your lashes.
- Sterility is key: Any moisture your lashes might contact is sterile, reducing the risk of infection.
How Are Eyelashes Managed During LASIK?
Before the laser correction begins, your surgeon and staff take steps to manage your lashes and ensure a sterile field:
- Lash and lid cleaning: The eyelid area—including the lashes—is gently cleaned with an antiseptic solution to remove oils and debris.
- Secure placement: A sterile drape or tape may be used to keep the lashes away from your eye.
- Eyelid speculum: This device gently keeps your eyelids open during the procedure, ensuring your lashes don’t contact the surgical area.
These steps help prevent eyelashes from interfering with the laser or becoming a source of infection.
Step-by-Step: What Happens to Eyelashes Before, During, and After LASIK?
Before LASIK: Lash Cleaning and Preparation
- Come without eye makeup or mascara to prevent residue on lashes.
- The team will clean your eyelids and lashes with an antiseptic solution.
- Some clinics use an adhesive sterile drape around the eye to keep lashes/lids out of the treatment area.
During LASIK: Eyelash Protection Throughout Surgery
- An eyelid speculum gently separates and holds your lids, keeping lashes away from the surgical site.
- Sterile saline or lubricating drops may briefly dampen the lashes, but they are not doused.
- The focus is on keeping the cornea and surrounding area clean and as dry as possible.
After LASIK: Care for Your Lashes and Eyes
- Lashes may feel a little sticky or damp from cleaning solutions and drops.
- You’ll receive instructions on gently cleaning around your eyes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes—especially in the first few days—to protect healing.
What to Do (and Not Do) With Your Eyelashes Before LASIK
- Refrain from using mascara or eye makeup for at least 24–48 hours prior to surgery.
- Do not curl your lashes or use lash extensions before surgery.
- Tell your surgeon if you have lash or lid conditions (e.g., blepharitis) so they can be addressed in advance.
Eyelash Management During LASIK (Quick Table)
| Stage | What Happens to Eyelashes? | Purpose | Instructions for Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre‑surgery prep | Cleaned with antiseptic; makeup‑free | Minimise infection risk | Arrive without eye makeup |
| Lid/eyelash draping | Draped/taped away; speculum used | Keep lashes from surgical area | No action needed—handled by staff |
| Surgery | May get mildly damp from drops/saline | Corneal lubrication & sterility | Avoid squeezing or blinking |
| Post‑op care | Lashes may be sticky/damp from drops | Support healing | Don’t rub eyes; follow instructions |
Tips for the Best Eyelash Health and LASIK Success
- Arrive with clean eyelids and lashes—wash your face before your visit.
- Follow all guidance on when to resume eye makeup and how to clean your face after surgery.
- Contact your doctor if you notice redness, excessive discharge, or discomfort around the lashes/lids.
Bottom line: Your eyelashes will likely get a little damp during LASIK due to necessary drops and saline irrigation, but steps are taken to keep them clean, safe, and out of the surgical field. Most people find their lashes feel normal again within hours. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for the smoothest recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will my eyelashes be damaged during LASIK surgery?
No. Surgeons use a speculum and sterile drapes to keep lashes out of the surgical area, so your lashes aren’t harmed.
Can I wear mascara before LASIK surgery?
It’s best to avoid mascara and any eye makeup for at least 24 hours pre‑op to reduce residue and infection risk.
Will my eyelashes fall out after LASIK?
No. LASIK targets the cornea only; brief contact with sterile moisture won’t cause lash loss.
Can my lashes get too wet during LASIK?
Your lashes may get slightly damp from sterile saline or lubricating drops, but moisture is minimal, controlled, and sterile.
How long should I wait before wearing makeup after LASIK?
Avoid makeup for at least 24–48 hours post‑op, or as directed by your surgeon.