Question:
I am scheduled to get lasik eye procedure the day after Yom Kippur. Am I allowed to put in eye drops on Yom Kippur?
Thank you.
Answer:
Yes, this would be permitted.
The drops are not for healing purposes, rather as preparation for the surgery to keep the eyes lubricated and infection free. This would not be hachana as the drops need to be taken each day for a number of days prior to surgery. Eye drops do not constitute a problem of washing on Yom Kippur as they are to maintain natural lubrication of the eye.
