Preparing for LASIK Surgery

The LASIK journey begins well before you enter the surgical suite. The preparation phase helps determine whether you might be a good candidate and lays the groundwork for the best possible outcome. While we don’t conduct the final LASIK consultation ourselves, our team conducts a thorough preliminary evaluation, measuring your corneal thickness, mapping the shape of your cornea, and assessing your overall eye health. From there, we can refer you for a full consultation at the surgeon’s office to confirm candidacy. We work closely with Dr. Jonathan Woolfson’s team, who offer complimentary LASIK evaluations at their office.

Contact lens wearers need to discontinue use for a specific period before their pre-operative evaluation. Soft contact lenses should be stopped for at least two weeks, while rigid gas-permeable lenses require a longer break of three to four weeks. This waiting period allows your corneas to return to their natural shape, ensuring accurate measurements for your surgery planning.

We also discuss your medical history and current medications during this time. Certain medications and medical conditions can affect healing, so it’s essential to provide a complete picture of your health. You’ll get detailed instructions about what to expect on surgery day and how to prepare, including guidelines about makeup, lotions, and eye drops.

What Happens on Surgery Day

LASIK surgery itself is remarkably quick, typically taking only 10 to 15 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to spend about two hours at the surgical center for pre-operative preparations and post-surgery monitoring. You’ll get numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, and many patients are surprised by how painless the experience actually is.

The surgeon begins by creating a thin flap in the cornea, then uses a laser to reshape the underlying tissue. Reshaping corrects the refractive errors that cause nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Once the laser treatment is complete, the flap is repositioned, and your eye begins healing immediately. Most patients notice enhanced vision within hours of their surgery.

The First 24 Hours After Surgery

The immediate post-operative period requires some special attention to protect your healing eyes. You’ll receive protective shields to wear while sleeping for the first few nights, preventing accidental rubbing or pressure on your eyes. Many patients experience some mild discomfort, tearing, or sensitivity to light during the first day, but these symptoms typically improve quickly.

Rest is your best friend during this initial recovery phase. Plan to take the day off from work and avoid activities that might strain your eyes, such as reading or using devices for extended periods. You’ll also begin using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, following a specific schedule we provide.

Your vision may fluctuate during the first 24 hours, with some patients experiencing periods of clarity that come and go. This is completely normal as your eyes adjust to their new shape. Avoid driving until we’ve cleared you at your first post-operative appointment, which typically occurs the day after surgery.

Long-term Recovery and Follow-up Care

The weeks and months following LASIK surgery involve multiple follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure optimal results. We typically schedule visits one day, one week, one month, three months, and six months after surgery. These appointments allow us to track your vision improvement and address concerns that may arise.

During the first few weeks, it’s important to avoid activities that could irritate your eyes or introduce bacteria. This includes swimming, hot tubs, contact sports, and eye makeup. You’ll continue using prescribed eye drops, and we may recommend preservative-free artificial tears to maintain comfort as your eyes heal.

Most patients achieve their final vision results within three to six months after surgery. Throughout this period, we work closely with your LASIK surgeon to ensure your recovery progresses smoothly and address any questions or concerns you may have about your healing process.

Supporting Your LASIK Journey

LASIK surgery can be truly life-changing, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses that many patients have dreamed about for years. Our role in your LASIK journey extends far beyond the surgery itself, providing the comprehensive care and support you need for the best possible outcome.

At Karns Vision Center, we’ve been serving the Knoxville community with personalized eye care, building strong relationships with our patients through every step of their vision care journey. Our team uses cutting-edge technology and offers convenient Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to fit your busy schedule. We accept a variety of medical and vision insurance plans to make quality eye care accessible to our community. To learn more about our comprehensive services or to schedule your LASIK consultation, call us at 865-247-7715 or contact us online.