The first step when deciding if LASIK is right for you is a LASIK eye surgery consultation. During your consultation, your eye doctor will review many different things and run some tests. Understanding the process can help ensure that you will be comfortable.
Review of Medical History
One of the first things that will happen at your LASIK eye surgery consultation is the doctor will review your medical history. The doctor needs a comprehensive review of your entire medical background. There are some medical conditions that mean you won’t be the best candidate for LASIK so a review of your medical background helps determine your candidacy. You should also disclose any medications you are taking during this review. Some medications may impact the success of the surgery and you won’t be able to take them.
Different Tests
During your LASIK consultation, your eye doctor will also perform many different tests that are part of a comprehensive eye exam. Not only does the eye doctor want to look at your vision, but also your eye health. As part of this process, the doctor will dilate your eyes in order to look at the front of your eyes, as well as their surface and shape. Some of the conditions your doctor hopes to rule out with these exams are glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye. Your doctor will look at your glasses prescription and refractive errors. Your vision is an important part of determining if you are eligible for LASIK. Your doctor will also do measurements of the thickness and shape of your cornea since the procedure involves reshaping this part of the eye. A test to determine your dominant eye will also be done, especially if you have presbyopia. If you aren’t eligible for LASIK then your eye doctor might recommend that you have a different procedure to help with your vision, such as refractive lens exchange or PRK.
You Will Learn About the LASIK Process
During your consultation, your eye doctor will also discuss the procedure for you from the beginning through to recovery. You will learn about the expense, benefits, and risks. If you are eligible for surgery, this helps you have a better understanding of the entire process. Knowing what to expect from the procedure is the only way to go into surgery with realistic expectations. LASIK surgery may not be covered by insurance so you need to understand the different costs. The costs will depend on the type of LASIK surgery you are going to have. Many surgeons offer special financing to help make it affordable.
Getting Your Questions Answered
Before you undergo surgery, it’s understandable that you will have a lot of questions. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with the procedure, so during your consultation, there should be plenty of time for questions. Your eye doctor should be willing to answer these questions, and if not then you may want to find a different doctor. Some common questions include questions about the risk, if you are a good candidate, and what your results will be.
