Getting LASIK is an important decision. The procedure offers several advantages, including near-immediate results and the convenience of no longer relying on glasses or contacts. Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK, however.
If you’re considering getting LASIK, the first steps are to have a comprehensive eye exam and speak to an experienced LASIK surgeon to see if you qualify.
The exam and consultation can be performed separately or together. They can even be performed on the same day as the surgery and take roughly two to three hours to complete.
Below, Dr. Raymond Stein of Bochner Eye Institute shares more details about what you can expect during your LASIK exam and consultation.
Determine Your Eye Health and Eyeglass Prescription
During the consultation, either an eye doctor or a LASIK surgeon assesses your overall eye health and measures your eyes’ refractive errors to verify your eyeglass prescription. Your eyes are dilated during the exam so the most accurate measurements can be taken.
Conduct a Series of Evaluations
In addition to the refractive error, the doctor takes the following measurements of your eyes:
- Corneal topography – to map the corneas’ shape and thickness
- Wavefront – to reveal and detail higher-order aberrations or more complex refractive errors
The doctor performs several other tests to detect certain eye issues so they can be treated before the surgery. These tests include a tear film analysis to identify any dry eye problems and an eyelid inspection to uncover any blepharitis or eyelid inflammation.
An evaluation to determine the dominant eye is also performed, which is important for people with presbyopia who may want to consider monovision LASIK, a specialized technique that lessens the need for reading glasses.
These tests are non-invasive and do not cause pain or discomfort.
Discuss LASIK Technology Recommendations and the Procedure’s Cost
During the consultation, the different types of LASIK technology are explained and you learn which type is recommended for you. This largely depends on your eye health and any conditions you may have.
The type of LASIK technology used affects the procedure’s cost. If you need custom LASIK, the cost will likely be higher. Special financing is often available to make each type of LASIK more affordable.
Go Over Other Options
If a doctor decides you are not a good candidate for LASIK, he or she will discuss other options that may be available to you. These include PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), refractive lens exchange and phakic IOL implantation.
Contact Us
If you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK, call or email Dr. Stein and the team at Bochner Eye Institute to set up a LASIK consultation today.