What Can I Expect Before My LASIK Procedure?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • November 10, 2022

Like many people, you may be considering LASIK surgery to fix your vision problems. But more goes into getting LASIK than simply scheduling a procedure.what can i expect before my lasik procedure

First, you’ll need to understand what LASIK actually is and why it may benefit you. You’ll then schedule a consultation with your ophthalmologist to see if you qualify for the procedure. Once approved, you will need to do your part in ensuring that the procedure goes smoothly, as well as understanding the risks that may be involved.

LASIK is primarily for distance vision correction. Patients over the age of 40 may still require the assistance of reading glasses after the procedure. 

What is LASIK Surgery?

Before jumping into what to expect, it can help to know what LASIK surgery actually is. The human eye functions a lot like a film camera by using refraction to create images. The cornea helps us focus light, which creates an image on the retina. 

Unfortunately, not everyone’s cornea is perfectly shaped. This results in vision that’s often described as blurry, distorted, or out of focus due to refractive errors . 

Refractive errors come in three main forms:

  • Astigmatism
  • Myopia
  • Hyperopia

Those with astigmatism experience distorted images on the retina due to an error in the shape of the lens or cornea of the eye. Myopia is another term for nearsightedness . People with this condition have a harder time seeing things that are far away. Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia and is also known as farsightedness , meaning that you have trouble seeing things up close, but can also have difficulty with distance vision.

LASIK surgery is one of a few different refractive surgeries which seek to remove anything that may keep your eyes from focusing clearly. LASIK does this by using a special laser that changes the shape of the cornea, which helps change its focus. This helps our patients see more details and more clearly, improving their confidence and quality of life.

Now that we’ve established what LASIK surgery is and who may need it, let’s look at what to expect before your procedure. LASIK surgery can improve people’s lives in so many ways. 

Click here to learn the difference  LASIK made in one patient’s life!

Your LASIK Consultation

Before you schedule the procedure, you’ll need to meet with your ophthalmologist to see if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. Despite being such a beneficial procedure, not everyone is a good candidate. Your ophthalmologist has been well-trained in identifying those who qualify and those who don’t in order to protect patients’ long-term eye health.

Disqualifying factors include: 

  • Corneas that are too thin
  • Extreme cases of astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia
  • Advanced glaucoma 
  • Poorly managed diabetes
  • Pregnant or nursing
  • Severe dry eye
  • Corneal scarring or keratoconus

This list is far from exhaustive. Your ophthalmologist will determine whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Along with not having certain conditions, there are other requirements you must meet before being approved for the procedure.

Qualifying factors include:

  • An eye prescription that hasn’t drastically changed since last year
  • Healthy corneas that are thick enough for LASIK
  • A refractive problem that can actually be treated with LASIK
  • Realistic expectations about LASIK
  • Be at least 19 years old with a stable refraction

Special measurements of your eyes will be taken to determine if you qualify for LASIK. This includes your cornea size, pupil size, and the size of your refractive error. All of these precautions are designed to ensure your safety before, during, and after your LASIK procedure.

Preparing for LASIK Surgery

Once you’re approved for LASIK surgery, you’ll need to begin preparing for the procedure. People who wear contacts will have to stop wearing them for a few weeks leading up to their evaluation and prior to surgery. This is because contacts can change the shape of your cornea which can affect your results. Your doctor will give you instructions based on the type of contacts you wear and how long you have worn them. 

Your surgeon will also want a list of any medications that you’re taking . This includes any over-the-counter medications you may take. This may seem overly cautious, but the truth is that OTCs like acne medications and even decongestants can lead to complications during LASIK surgery. So be honest with your surgeon since your safety is their chief concern.

You will also want to skip wearing any cosmetics, lotions, or perfumes on the day of your surgery. Cosmetics like mascara can actually increase your chances of getting an infection, which no one wants, while perfumes and lotions can cause the laser to not function properly.

Another important thing to know is that you will need a ride to and from surgery . There’s a chance that your surgeon will give you medication to help you relax on top of numbing eye drops. You don’t want to be behind the wheel in that condition. LASIK procedures usually take fewer than 30 minutes, so ask a friend to help you get home!

To learn what happens during LASIK surgery, click here !

Understanding the Risks of LASIKwhat to do before lasik surgery

There are risks in everything we do, including refractive surgery. While complications resulting from LASIK are rare, there are some common side effects which include dry eyes and vision problems such as glare. Fortunately, these symptoms are typically not long-term and can begin to fade a few weeks or months after your surgery. 

Other risks of LASIK surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Double vision
  • Regression 
  • Undercorrections
  • Overcorrections
  • Glare or halos

While there are risks, complications resulting from LASIK surgery are highly unlikely. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council :

Less than one percent of LASIK patients experience these surgical complications.  That’s one percent, as opposed to 30 percent that report transient side effects.”

Your surgeon will do everything possible to prevent any unlikely complications and allow you to make a speedy recovery.

Are you interested in getting LASIK in Knoxville, TN? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

LASIK surgery is a refractive surgery that removes anything that may keep your eyes from focusing clearly. Before scheduling your procedure, you’ll need to meet with your ophthalmologist to see if you’re a good candidate. Once approved, you’ll begin preparing for surgery. Complications resulting from LASIK are rare, but there are some common side effects that you should be aware of.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...
How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

April 12, 2026
Your diet influences more than just general wellness; it also helps protect your eyesight. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we take a forward-looking approach to eye...