A LASIK consultation is a mandatory, in-depth screening designed to determine if a patient can safely and effectively undergo laser vision correction by reshaping the cornea. This evaluation goes far beyond a routine eye exam, utilizing specialized diagnostic tools to gather precise measurements of the eye’s structure. The information collected is used to create a customized surgical plan or to recommend an alternative procedure if LASIK is not the safest option.
Reviewing Medical and Ocular History
The consultation begins with a detailed discussion of your overall health and eye history, serving as an initial screen for contraindications. You will be asked about systemic health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, because these can affect the body’s healing response following surgery. The clinician will also review all current medications, as some drugs can influence eye health or post-operative healing.
Ocular history is reviewed, including previous eye surgeries, injuries, or conditions like severe dry eye. Prescription stability is a prerequisite; surgeons require documentation that your refractive error has not changed significantly for at least one year. Vision fluctuations caused by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding, will temporarily disqualify a patient until their prescription stabilizes. Contact lens wearers must temporarily discontinue use before the consultation to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape for accurate measurements.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing
Following the historical review, a series of non-invasive diagnostic tests gather the precise data necessary for surgical planning. Corneal Topography uses reflected light to create a detailed, three-dimensional map of the corneal surface curvature. This mapping helps identify subtle irregularities or conditions like keratoconus, which automatically disqualifies a patient from LASIK.
Pachymetry determines the exact thickness of the cornea using ultrasound or optical methods. Since LASIK removes tissue to reshape the cornea, adequate pre-operative thickness, typically at least 500 microns, is necessary to ensure the remaining corneal bed is stable. Measuring pupil size, particularly in low-light conditions, is also performed, as excessively dilated pupils may increase the risk of post-operative visual disturbances like halos or glare.
A detailed Refraction is performed to finalize the precise vision correction needed. This is followed by a cycloplegic refraction, where dilating drops temporarily paralyze the eye’s focusing muscles to ensure the most accurate measurement of the full refractive error. The consultation concludes with a comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam, allowing the specialist to inspect internal structures like the retina and optic nerve, and rule out underlying conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
Assessing Candidacy and Next Steps
The accumulated data from the historical review and diagnostic testing is analyzed to determine your final eligibility for LASIK. The surgeon uses a safety-first approach, comparing your corneal thickness, prescription limits, and overall eye health against established safety parameters. Disqualification can occur for various reasons, including insufficient corneal tissue, an unstable prescription, or uncontrolled systemic diseases.
If all parameters indicate you are a suitable candidate, the discussion shifts to the logistics of the procedure. This includes reviewing the specific laser technology and setting realistic expectations about the visual outcome and potential side effects, such as temporary dry eye. The post-operative regimen will be outlined, covering medication use and required follow-up appointments. Finally, the team will review scheduling, discuss the total cost, and address any financial or insurance-related questions.