The ultimate guide to the top questions to ask at a Lasik consultation

Kind Reader, if you’re considering getting LASIK eye surgery, it’s important to know what questions to ask at your consultation to ensure you’re fully informed about the procedure and its potential outcomes. Some of the key questions to ask at a LASIK consultation include costs, qualifications of the surgeon, potential risks and complications, and expected results. Taking the time to ask these questions will help you choose the right surgeon and make an informed decision about LASIK surgery.
Preparing for Your LASIK Consultation

Before going to your LASIK consultation, it’s important that you prepare yourself so that you can know what to expect. Here are some things that you can do to help you prepare for your appointment:
Make a List of Questions for Your Doctor
One of the most important things that you should do is write down a list of questions that you want to ask your doctor. This will help you remember everything that you want to ask so that you don’t forget anything important. Some questions that you may want to consider asking include:
No | Questions to Ask |
---|---|
1 | “Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?” |
2 | “How long will the LASIK procedure take?” |
3 | “What are the risks and benefits of LASIK?” |
4 | “How long will it take for me to recover from LASIK?” |
These questions will give you a good idea of what to expect during your consultation and after the procedure.
Know Your Medical History
It’s important that you know your medical history before going to your LASIK consultation. Your doctor will need to know about any medical conditions that you have, as well as any medications that you are taking. This will help them determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK.
Questions about the Surgery

Knowing the details of the LASIK procedure is essential for a successful outcome. Your surgeon will explain the entire process in detail but don’t be afraid to ask more questions and specifically ask:
What type of LASIK method do you use?
Wavefront technology has become the standard of care in LASIK. It increases the precision and accuracy of LASIK surgery. Bladeless LASIK also known as femtosecond LASIK is another advanced option to traditional LASIK. Bladeless technology uses a laser to create the corneal flap instead of a blade.
What is my expected visual outcome?
After surgery, what will be your range of vision now and in the future? It’s critical to remember that LASIK results may vary, so it’s best to manage your expectations. Your surgeon should be able to provide statistics for their patient records and tell you what portion of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
No | Some important notes to ask: |
---|---|
1 | The percentage of eyes that achieved 20/20 and 20/40 vision. |
2 | The surgeon’s personal complication rate. |
3 | If the surgeon had to perform any enhancements on their previous patients and what their enhancement rate is. |
4 | Any red flags from your eye exam that may result in complications during or after the surgery. |
5 | The surgeon’s level of experience with LASIK and the outcomes of their previous procedures. |
What is the cost of LASIK
The most important question for the majority of people is “how much does LASIK surgery cost?” Price varies depending on a number of factors such as the technology that is used, the surgeon’s expertise, location of the facility, and individual factors such as the patient’s prescription and ocular conditions. Be aware the price advertised is not always the total cost.
What is your financial policy and refund policy?
In some cases, complications can occur that require a second (enhancement) procedure, which should generally be included in the initial cost of the operation. A surgeon’s refund policy is important in case the surgery needs to be cancelled or in case of complications. In addition, most insurance companies do not cover LASIK or related complications.
No | Questions to Ask at LASIK Consultation |
---|---|
1 | Are you a candidate for LASIK? |
2 | What are the potential risks and complications of LASIK? |
3 | What are the different LASIK technologies available? |
4 | What is the success rate for LASIK procedures? |
5 | How long does the LASIK procedure take? |
6 | What can you expect during the LASIK recovery process? |
7 | How long will it take to see the results of LASIK? |
8 | What is the cost of LASIK? |
9 | Are there any financing options for LASIK? |
Questions to Ask about LASIK Procedure

Before undergoing LASIK surgery, you should be familiar with the procedure and everything involved. Being prepared for the surgery is essential to avoid any last-minute confusion or anxiety. Here are some questions to ask during your LASIK consultation regarding the procedure:
1. What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis, which is a popular form of laser eye surgery. The procedure involves using a laser to reshape your cornea and correct any refractive errors.
2. How long does the procedure take?
In most cases, LASIK surgery only takes around 15 minutes per eye to finish, although the preparation process can take up to an hour and a half.
3. What is the recovery time for LASIK?
Most people who undergo LASIK are able to return to work within a day or two after the procedure. It is essential to avoid rubbing your eyes and getting water into them, and your eyes may be sensitive to light and dry for a few days following the surgery.
4. Is LASIK painful?
LASIK is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs your eyes and makes the procedure pain-free. You may, however, feel some pressure on your eyes during the procedure.
5. Who is not a good candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Factors such as age, prescription, health, and cornea thickness could disqualify you from undergoing LASIK surgery. Be sure to discuss your eligibility with your doctor.
6. What are the risks and potential complications of LASIK?
While LASIK is a safe procedure, there are risks associated with it, just like with any surgical procedure. Some potential risks include dry eyes, halos, glare, and under or overcorrection. Your doctor should discuss these risks with you and explain how they apply to your specific situation.
7. What is the success rate of LASIK?
The success rate of LASIK is very high, and most people achieve significant improvement in vision. However, the success rate varies based on individual factors, including age, prescription, and overall health.
Questions about the Procedure

It’s always important to be informed about the details of any medical procedure, and LASIK is no exception. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and make an informed decision about whether LASIK is right for you. Some questions you might consider asking your LASIK surgeon include:
What will happen during the procedure?
Your surgeon can walk you through the LASIK procedure step by step so you know what to expect and can alleviate any concerns you might have. You might ask about the tools used, how long the procedure typically takes, and what will happen immediately following the surgery.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Like any medical procedure, LASIK does come with some degree of risk. Be sure to ask about all the potential risks, no matter how rare. You might also ask about the surgeon’s experience with the procedure, as more experienced surgeons tend to have lower complication rates.
Questions about Recovery

Your recovery after LASIK is just as important as the procedure itself. You will need to take some time off work to rest and recover, and you will need to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care. These are some questions you might want to ask:
What is the expected recovery time?
Everyone recovers at their own pace, but your surgeon can give you an idea of what to expect. They can tell you when you can expect to return to work, exercise, and other normal activities. They can also tell you how long it will be before your vision returns to normal.
What are the post-operative care instructions?
Following LASIK, you will need to take steps to ensure proper healing. This may include wearing an eye shield while you sleep, using eye drops, and avoiding certain activities. Your LASIK surgeon can give you specific instructions tailored to your needs.
Questions about the Risks

Before deciding to undergo LASIK surgery, it is important that you understand the risks involved. Here are some questions you should ask at your consultation:
What are the risks associated with LASIK?
Your eye doctor should provide you with a detailed explanation of the risks associated with LASIK. These risks can include overcorrection or undercorrection, halos, glares, dry eyes, infection, and temporary or permanent vision loss.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK, given my medical history and lifestyle?
Your medical history and lifestyle can influence your suitability for LASIK surgery. Be sure to discuss any past or present medical conditions you have, as well as any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past.
What pre-existing conditions might disqualify me from having LASIK?
There are some pre-existing conditions that can disqualify you from having LASIK surgery. These can include autoimmune disorders, certain eye conditions, and pregnancy, among others.
What will happen if the procedure does not go as planned?
It is important to have a plan in place in case the procedure does not go as planned. Your eye doctor should outline the steps that will be taken to address any issues that may arise.
Questions about the Recovery Process

Knowing what to expect during the recovery process is essential to ensuring a successful LASIK surgery. Here are some questions you should ask at your consultation:
What can I expect during the first few days after surgery?
Your eye doctor should provide you with a detailed explanation of what to expect during the first few days after surgery. This can include some discomfort, redness, and blurred vision.
How long will it take for my vision to stabilize?
It is important to understand that your vision may take some time to stabilize after LASIK surgery. Your eye doctor should provide you with an estimate of how long this process will take.
When can I return to my normal activities?
Depending on your individual situation, you may need to take some time off from work or certain activities after LASIK surgery. Your eye doctor should outline the specific guidelines you should follow to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Preparing for Your Consultation

Before heading to your LASIK consultation, it’s important to be prepared. You want to make sure you’re making the most of your time with your surgeon and have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your procedure. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your LASIK consultation:
Make a List of Questions
Creating a list of questions beforehand can help you stay focused and make sure you get the answers you need. It can be easy to forget your questions in the moment, and making a list ensures you won’t leave anything out.
Bring Your Medical History
Your surgeon will likely ask for your medical history, so bring your medical records to your consultation. Your surgeon needs to know about any past or present medical conditions, including allergies, medications, and surgeries you’ve had.
What are the potential risks and complications of LASIK?

Before you undergo LASIK surgery, it is important to understand the possible risks and complications. These risks and complications can vary from person to person, and it is important to discuss them with your eye doctor during your LASIK consultation. Here are some of the potential risks and complications of LASIK:
Loss of Visual Acuity:
While LASIK is typically a safe and effective procedure, there is a possibility of loss of visual acuity after surgery. This risk increases for individuals with higher prescriptions and those with certain medical conditions.
Eye Infections:
There is a small risk of developing an eye infection following LASIK surgery. This can usually be treated with antibiotics, but in rare cases, it may lead to more serious complications such as corneal scarring or vision loss. It is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to reduce this risk.
Dry Eyes:
Following LASIK surgery, it is common for patients to experience dry eyes. This can be a temporary or long-term side effect of the surgery. Your eye doctor may recommend the use of lubricating eye drops to help manage this symptom.
No | LSI Keywords |
---|---|
1 | possible risks and complications of LASIK |
2 | loss of visual acuity |
3 | eye infections after LASIK surgery |
4 | corneal scarring |
5 | dry eyes after LASIK surgery |
What type of LASIK is best for me?

There are several different types of LASIK surgery, and each type uses a different laser to reshape the cornea. Your eye doctor will help you determine which type of LASIK is best for your specific needs and goals. Here are some of the most popular types of LASIK:
Traditional LASIK:
Traditional LASIK is the most common type of LASIK surgery. It uses a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. The flap is lifted, and the underlying cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. The flap is then replaced, and the cornea is left to heal.
Bladeless LASIK:
Bladeless LASIK, also known as femtosecond LASIK, uses a femtosecond laser to create both the flap and reshape the cornea. This type of LASIK may reduce the risk of complications and increase precision.
Wavefront LASIK:
Wavefront LASIK, also known as custom LASIK, uses wavefront technology to create a detailed map of the eye. This map is used to guide the excimer laser in shaping the cornea, and may provide better visual outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
No | LSI Keywords |
---|---|
1 | types of LASIK surgery |
2 | microkeratome blade |
3 | femtosecond laser |
4 | bladeless LASIK |
5 | wavefront technology |
6 | custom LASIK |
Lasik Consultation FAQ – Questions to Ask
Preparing for a Lasik consultation can be overwhelming, but it’s important to come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have before undergoing the procedure. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding questions to ask at a Lasik consultation:
1. What happens during a Lasik consultation?
During the consultation, the surgeon will examine your eyes, measure your visual acuity and evaluate your overall eye health. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure and discuss any concerns you may have.
2. How long does a Lasik consultation take?
The length of the consultation varies depending on the surgeon and the patient, but most consultations take about 1-2 hours. It’s best to set aside a few hours just in case.
3. What kind of questions should I ask during the Lasik consultation?
You should ask any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure, including the surgeon’s experience, success rates, and costs. It’s also important to clarify any potential risks and side effects.
4. How much does Lasik surgery cost?
The cost of Lasik surgery varies depending on the surgeon and the complexity of the procedure. It’s important to clarify any costs before undergoing the procedure.
5. Does insurance cover Lasik surgery?
Most insurance plans do not cover Lasik surgery because it is considered elective. However, it’s always best to check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for coverage.
6. What types of Lasik procedures are available?
There are several types of Lasik procedures available, including traditional Lasik, bladeless Lasik, and wavefront-guided Lasik. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate procedure for your individual needs.
7. How long does the Lasik procedure take?
The procedure generally takes only a few minutes per eye, but it may take up to 30 minutes total with preparation time.
8. What is the recovery time for Lasik surgery?
The recovery time varies for each patient, but most people can return to work and resume normal activities a couple of days after the procedure.
9. What are the potential risks and complications of Lasik surgery?
Potential risks and complications of Lasik surgery include dry eyes, halos, glare, double vision, and even loss of vision. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before making a decision.
10. What should I expect on the day of the Lasik surgery?
You should expect to be awake during the procedure and to be given anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on what to expect and how to prepare.
11. Will I have to wear glasses after the Lasik surgery?
Most patients experience improved vision after Lasik and will not have to wear glasses, but everyone’s experience is different. It’s best to discuss any concerns with your surgeon.
12. How long will the results of Lasik surgery last?
Results of Lasik surgery generally last for many years, and most patients do not require additional procedures. However, everyone’s experience is different, and results can vary.
13. How soon can I drive after Lasik surgery?
Most patients are able to drive the day after the procedure, but it’s best to check with your surgeon to determine when it’s safe for you to resume driving.
14. Can I undergo Lasik surgery if I have astigmatism?
Yes, Lasik surgery can correct astigmatism in addition to nearsightedness and farsightedness. Your surgeon will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
15. Can I undergo Lasik surgery if I have dry eyes?
Lasik surgery can potentially worsen dry eyes, so it’s important to discuss any dry eye symptoms with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
16. How do I know if I am a good candidate for Lasik surgery?
Your surgeon will evaluate your eye health and take your medical history into consideration to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
17. Can Lasik surgery correct presbyopia?
Lasik surgery is not typically used to correct presbyopia, a condition that occurs with age and results in the need for reading glasses. However, there are other procedures that can correct presbyopia, such as monovision Lasik.
18. Will Lasik surgery hurt?
No, Lasik surgery is not typically painful. You may experience some discomfort or pressure during the procedure but it is generally very tolerable.
19. Can Lasik surgery correct myopia and hyperopia?
Yes, Lasik surgery can correct both myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
20. How soon will I be able to see after the Lasik procedure?
Most patients experience significant improvement in vision almost immediately after the procedure, although it may take several days for vision to stabilize.
21. Can I have Lasik surgery on both eyes at once?
Yes, it is common for patients to undergo Lasik surgery on both eyes at once.
22. Can Lasik surgery be done again if my vision changes?
Yes, it is possible to have additional Lasik procedures if your vision changes or worsens.
23. How long before I can resume exercise or sports after Lasik surgery?
Most patients can resume exercise and sports within a week after the procedure, but it’s best to check with your surgeon to determine when it’s safe for you to do so.
24. Should I stop wearing contacts before the Lasik consultation?
It is recommended that you stop wearing contacts for a certain period of time before the Lasik consultation to ensure accurate measurements of your eyes. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on when to stop wearing contacts.
25. How long after Lasik surgery can I wear makeup?
You should avoid wearing makeup for at least a week after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
If you’re getting ready for a LASIK consultation, it’s important to know which questions to ask. Check out this helpful article on questions to ask at your LASIK consultation to ensure you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about your vision correction.
That’s all, Kind Reader
Thank you for taking the time to read this article about questions to ask at Lasik consultation. We hope that you found it insightful and helpful in your journey towards better vision. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be well-informed and to feel confident in your decision. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a consultation with a trusted eye surgeon, don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your time and hope to see you again soon!