Your Complete Post-LASIK Eye Drop Schedule: What, When, and Why
Your post-LASIK eye drops are as important as the surgery itself. Missing doses or using them in the wrong order can slow healing, increase infection risk, or worsen dry eye. Here's the exact schedule most Colombian ophthalmologists prescribe — and why each drop matters.
The standard post-LASIK drop regimen uses three categories: antibiotic (prevents infection), anti-inflammatory steroid (controls healing response), and artificial tears (keeps the surface hydrated). Most patients taper off prescription drops within 2–4 weeks and continue artificial tears for 1–3 months.
The Standard Drop Schedule
| Drop Type | Week 1 | Week 2 | Weeks 3–4 | Month 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic (moxifloxacin) | 4× daily | 4× daily | Stop | — |
| Steroid (prednisolone 1%) | 4× daily | 3× daily | 2× daily → taper | Stop by week 4–6 |
| Artificial tears (preservative-free) | Every 1–2 hours | Every 2–3 hours | 4–6× daily | As needed (may continue months) |
| NSAID (ketorolac) — if prescribed | 4× daily | Stop | — | — |
Drop-by-Drop Breakdown
Antibiotic Drops
Purpose: Prevent bacterial infection during the critical healing window when the flap edge is still sealing.
- Typical drug: Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) or gatifloxacin
- Duration: 7–14 days
- Timing: Space evenly — roughly every 4–6 waking hours
- Key rule: Complete the full course even if eyes feel fine. Don't stop early.
Steroid Drops
Purpose: Control the inflammatory response. Without steroids, excessive inflammation can cause corneal haze and delayed healing.
- Typical drug: Prednisolone acetate 1% or fluorometholone
- Duration: 2–6 weeks with gradual taper
- Timing: Start at 4× daily, reduce by one drop per day each week
- Key rule: Never stop steroids abruptly — always taper as directed. Sudden discontinuation can cause rebound inflammation.
When using multiple drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each type. If you put them in back-to-back, the second drop washes out the first before it absorbs. The recommended order: antibiotic → wait 5 min → steroid → wait 5 min → artificial tears.
Artificial Tears
Purpose: Keep the corneal surface hydrated while cut nerves regenerate and natural tear production recovers.
- Type: Preservative-free single-use vials (not bottled drops with preservatives)
- Duration: Aggressive use for 4–8 weeks, then as needed for 3–6 months
- Key rule: More is better in the first month. You cannot overuse preservative-free tears.
Preserved artificial tears contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is toxic to corneal epithelial cells. On a healing cornea, this preservative actively slows recovery. Always use preservative-free vials — they come in boxes of 30+ single-use containers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Touching the dropper tip to your eye: Contaminates the bottle. Hold the dropper 1–2 cm above your eye.
- Using drops from the wrong bottle in the dark: Some patients keep drops on the nightstand. Label clearly or use tactile markers.
- Rubbing eyes after putting in drops: Close your eyes gently for 30 seconds. Resist the urge to rub — flap dislocation risk is highest in the first week.
- Skipping drops because vision is already clear: The drops prevent complications you can't feel yet. Vision clarity doesn't mean healing is complete.
- Buying generic drops without checking ingredients: Not all generics are preservative-free. Read labels carefully.
Buying Drops in Colombia
Your surgeon will prescribe all post-operative drops, and they're significantly cheaper in Colombia:
Most Colombian pharmacies (Droguería) carry all standard post-LASIK medications without a prescription, though your surgeon will provide prescriptions anyway. Consider buying a 2–3 month supply before you fly home.
Pack all eye drops in your carry-on bag in a clear, TSA-compliant pouch. Eye drops under 3.4 oz (100 mL) per container are allowed through security. If you buy a large supply in Colombia, check them in your luggage for the return flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take it as soon as you remember, then resume your normal schedule. Don't double-dose. One missed dose of antibiotic or steroid is unlikely to cause problems — just don't make it a habit.
You shouldn't be wearing contacts during recovery. Once your surgeon clears you for contacts (usually 1–3 months post-op), standard contact lens rewetting drops are fine.
Mild stinging for 10–20 seconds is normal with prednisolone. Severe burning, redness, or pain that doesn't subside within a minute should be reported to your surgeon.
Set phone alarms at your drop times. Some patients use a simple chart taped to the bathroom mirror. Your Colombian clinic may provide a printed schedule card.