Consultations & Post-Op Care

LASIK Consultations
in Nashville, TN

LASIK and other refractive procedures may reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but the right option depends on more than your prescription. A LASIK consultation gives you time to discuss your vision goals, eye health, lifestyle, and expectations for life after surgery.

In an FDA study, more than 95% of participants reported being satisfied with their vision after LASIK surgery.1 Individual results and eligibility vary, however, so a thorough evaluation is an important first step before deciding whether refractive surgery is right for you.

Refractive surgery may offer benefits such as:

  • Improved vision: LASIK and other procedures can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses for many daily activities.
  • Everyday convenience: Many patients appreciate less reliance on corrective eyewear while exercising, traveling, swimming, or simply moving through a busy day.
  • Long-term value: While surgery has an upfront cost, it may reduce future spending on prescription glasses, contact lenses, and related supplies.
  • A relatively quick recovery: Recovery experiences vary, but many patients return to normal activities within a few days, following their surgeon’s instructions.
  • Personalized options: LASIK is not the only refractive procedure. Your evaluation can help determine which options may fit your eyes and visual goals.

Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK or refractive surgery. The goal of your consultation is to give you clear, honest information about your options.

What is refractive eye surgery?

Refractive eye surgery includes procedures designed to reshape the cornea and improve how light focuses inside the eye. LASIK is the best-known option and may be considered for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is an outpatient procedure that uses laser technology to reshape the cornea. The exact technique and recovery plan can vary based on the procedure recommended by your surgeon and your individual eye health.

Your refractive eye surgery consultation

Your consultation includes a comprehensive eye exam to assess your vision, eye health, and potential suitability for refractive surgery. Your current prescription, corneal shape and thickness, tear film, and any signs of eye disease are all important factors in the evaluation.

Corneal mapping may be used to create detailed measurements of your cornea. These measurements can help assess whether refractive surgery is appropriate and support the referral process if surgery is recommended.
Your consultation is also a conversation. You will discuss how you use your vision at work, on screens, while driving, during exercise, and in other parts of daily life. You can ask questions about potential benefits, risks, side effects, recovery, cost, and alternatives, so you can make an informed decision with realistic expectations.

If refractive surgery is a good fit, you will be referred to a trusted ophthalmologist for the procedure. When scheduling your appointment, let the team know that you are interested in LASIK so a consultation can be included as part of your visit.

What happens after LASIK surgery?

After LASIK, your eyes need time to heal and adjust. Follow-up visits help monitor your recovery, check your vision, and address questions or side effects as they arise.

You will receive practical guidance about prescribed drops, returning to everyday activities, and symptoms that should prompt you to contact the office. Consistent post-operative care helps ensure your recovery is monitored at every stage.

Frequently asked questions about LASIK

How old do I need to be to get LASIK?

LASIK is generally intended for adults whose vision prescription has remained stable for at least a year. Because eyes and prescriptions can continue changing in the late teens and early twenties, Dr. Lemoncelli will review your prescription history and eye health during your consultation to determine whether it is the right time to consider refractive surgery.

Can I have LASIK if I have dry eye?

Dry eye symptoms do not automatically rule out LASIK, but they should be evaluated before surgery. LASIK can temporarily worsen dryness during healing, so identifying and managing dry eye beforehand is an important part of planning for a comfortable recovery. Your consultation can help determine whether treatment is recommended before moving forward.

Will I still need reading glasses after LASIK?

LASIK corrects distance vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but it does not stop presbyopia — the age-related change that makes close-up tasks more difficult. Many people begin needing reading glasses in their 40s, including those who have had LASIK. During your consultation, Dr. Lemoncelli can discuss options such as monovision and help set realistic expectations for your near and distance vision.