Excellent practice! Dr. Griffiths and her staff are top-notch. Thorough eye exams, ample time spent explaining everything, and answers to all questions. Highly recommend NewView Eye Center!
Linda Cummings
How to Prepare for LASIK Surgery
Your Pre-LASIK Eye Examination
Before any surgical planning begins, we conduct a comprehensive eye examination designed specifically for LASIK candidates. This evaluation gives our LASIK Surgeons the detailed information they need to determine your eligibility and customize your treatment with precision.
We begin with a thorough assessment of your overall eye health, examining both the front and back structures of each eye. This helps us identify any conditions that could affect surgery or your recovery.
- Examination of the corneal surface for scars or irregularities
- Assessment of the lens for early cataract formation
- Evaluation of the retina and optic nerve for signs of disease
- Measurement of eye pressure to screen for glaucoma
Corneal topography creates a precise, detailed map of your cornea's shape and curvature, helping our team detect even subtle irregularities that could affect your outcome. We also measure corneal thickness using a device called a pachymeter, which uses gentle ultrasound or light-based technology to determine how much tissue is available for safe treatment. Together, these measurements are essential for surgical planning.
We measure your pupil size in both bright and low-light conditions, since larger pupils can increase the risk of post-surgical symptoms like halos or glare around lights at night. Refraction testing determines your exact prescription for nearsightedness (difficulty seeing at a distance), farsightedness (difficulty seeing up close), and astigmatism (an uneven corneal curve that blurs vision at all distances). We repeat this testing multiple times to ensure precision.
Healthy tear production is essential for comfortable healing after LASIK, and dry eye that is not addressed beforehand can slow recovery and affect your visual results. We evaluate both the quantity and quality of your tears using several assessments.
- Tear breakup time testing to measure how stable your tear film is
- Schirmer testing to gauge how much tear volume your eyes produce
- Examination of the eyelid margins for signs of inflammation
- Assessment of the ocular surface for dryness-related changes
If we identify any dry eye concerns during your evaluation, we will recommend treatment before scheduling your surgery date.
A careful review of your personal and family history of eye disease, previous eye injuries, and any past surgeries helps us identify factors that could influence your outcome. Be sure to mention every medication you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, because some can affect bleeding, healing, or your eyes' response to surgery. Our team may recommend adjustments to your routine before and after the procedure.
Preparing in the Weeks Before Surgery
The weeks leading up to your LASIK procedure are an important time to follow specific guidelines that help ensure accurate measurements and a clean ocular environment on surgery day. Following these steps closely is one of the most direct ways you can contribute to a successful outcome.
Contact lenses can temporarily distort the natural shape of your cornea, which would compromise the accuracy of our pre-surgical measurements. We require all patients to stop wearing contacts for a defined period before both their pre-operative evaluation and their surgery date.
- Soft contact lenses: stop at least one to two weeks before
- Toric soft lenses for astigmatism: discontinue at least two weeks before
- Rigid gas permeable lenses: stop at least three to four weeks before
- Extended wear lenses: remove and avoid for two weeks or longer
Your specific timeline will be confirmed at your consultation based on your lens type and corneal response.
Some common medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk or interfere with the healing process. We may recommend temporarily pausing aspirin, ibuprofen, and high-dose vitamin E unless they are prescribed for a serious medical condition. Always speak with the physician who prescribed any medication before making changes, and if you take blood thinners for heart or stroke prevention, we will work with your prescribing doctor to determine the safest plan.
If your pre-operative evaluation reveals dry eye or any surface inflammation, we will work with you to address those conditions before scheduling your procedure. Optimizing the health of your ocular surface can meaningfully improve both your comfort during healing and your final visual results. Treatment may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, warm compresses, or eyelid hygiene routines, depending on what your evaluation shows.
You will not be permitted to drive yourself home after LASIK, so arranging for a trusted adult to bring you to and from your appointment is required. Plan for that person to be available for the first few hours after the procedure in case you need assistance. Most patients take one to three days away from work, though some are comfortable returning the next day. If your work environment involves dust, chemicals, or significant physical exertion, a longer break may be recommended to protect your eyes during early healing.
Preparing a comfortable rest area at home before your surgery day means you will not have to search for supplies when your vision is temporarily blurred. Gather everything you need in one accessible place.
- Prescription eye drops and artificial tears provided by our team
- Clean tissues and a small trash bin near your resting area
- Protective eye shields for sleeping, as directed
- Sunglasses for use outdoors and in bright indoor environments
- Audio entertainment or other low-vision activities for resting periods
While serious complications before LASIK are uncommon, it is important to know which symptoms need prompt attention before your surgery date. Contact our office right away if you notice any of the following.
- Sudden loss of vision or a notable decrease in vision quality
- Eye pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief
- Redness, discharge, or other signs of infection
- Any injury to your eye or the area around it
- New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
Final Steps on Surgery Day
The morning of your LASIK procedure, a few simple guidelines will help everything go smoothly and keep your surgical environment as clean and safe as possible. Our team will walk you through what to expect from the moment you arrive.
Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and avoid tops or sweaters that need to be pulled over your head, as minimizing contact with your face after surgery is important. Bring a valid photo ID, any required payment, and your sunglasses for the ride home. Leave valuables at home when possible.
You may eat a light meal before your appointment unless our team has given you different instructions. Having a small amount of food and staying hydrated can help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. Continue taking your regular prescription medications as directed unless we have specifically advised otherwise during your pre-operative visit.
Do not apply any eye makeup on the day of your procedure, including mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow, as particles can increase infection risk and interfere with surgery. Keep the rest of your face clear as well.
- Avoid lotions, creams, or perfumes on your face and neck
- Do not use hair spray, gel, or similar styling products
- Wash your face thoroughly with mild soap the morning of surgery
- Skip all facial moisturizers and sunscreens around the eye area
It is completely normal to feel anxious before surgery, and our team is prepared to answer any last-minute questions and explain each step as it happens. Practicing slow, deep breathing in the waiting area can help calm your mind and body before the procedure begins. LASIK itself is a brief procedure, and you will have our team's full support from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions address common points of uncertainty that come up between the consultation and surgery day, with guidance to help you make informed decisions about your preparation.
If you wear specialty lenses such as scleral lenses, orthokeratology lenses, or hybrid lenses, the required discontinuation period may be longer than what is listed for standard soft or rigid lenses. These lens types often create more significant corneal changes that need additional time to fully resolve. Let our team know exactly what type of lenses you wear at your consultation so we can give you a personalized timeline.
Yes, you may wear makeup the day before your procedure, but remove it thoroughly that evening using a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Starting surgery day with a completely clean face, including no residue around the lashes or eyelid margins, reduces the risk of introducing bacteria or particles into the surgical area. If you are unsure whether a skincare product is safe to use leading up to surgery, feel free to ask our team.
If you develop a cold, flu, or any active infection close to your surgery date, contact our office as soon as possible to discuss next steps. Symptoms like severe congestion, frequent coughing, or a high fever can affect your ability to stay still during the procedure and may increase the risk of complications. We would rather reschedule than proceed when your body is not at its best, and rescheduling will not negatively affect your long-term results.
You do need a responsible adult to drive you home, but you do not necessarily require constant supervision for the entire day. That said, having someone available during the first few hours is genuinely helpful, particularly for tasks like locating and applying your eye drops or navigating around your home when your vision is temporarily blurry. If you live alone, let our team know so we can provide any additional guidance for your situation.
For most patients whose prescriptions were stable before surgery, the correction achieved with LASIK remains stable long-term. However, vision can change naturally over time due to aging, particularly the gradual loss of near-focusing ability that occurs in your 40s, which is separate from the correction LASIK provides. If your vision shifts meaningfully after healing is complete, a follow-up evaluation can determine whether an enhancement or a simple glasses prescription for specific tasks is the most appropriate next step.
Beyond the contact lens and medication guidelines, it is wise to avoid activities that could irritate or injure your eyes in the days leading up to surgery, such as swimming in pools or hot tubs, contact sports, or working in dusty environments without protective eyewear. Getting plenty of rest before surgery day is also beneficial, since fatigue can affect how your eyes feel and behave. If any unexpected eye irritation, redness, or discomfort arises in the days before your appointment, contact our office promptly rather than waiting until surgery day.
Start Your LASIK Journey with NewView Eye Center
Our team at NewView Eye Center is proud to guide patients across Northern Virginia through a LASIK preparation process that is thorough, personalized, and built around your comfort and safety. Our LASIK Surgeons bring years of expertise, advanced technology, and genuine care to every evaluation and procedure. We welcome you to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward clearer vision with confidence.
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