Kind Reader, if you’re considering LASIK surgery, it’s essential to schedule a consultation with a qualified eye doctor. During the appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the procedure, discuss your options, and ask any questions you may have. Knowing what to ask a LASIK consultation can help you feel more confident and prepared for the surgery. So, what should you be asking?
Questions About Your Doctor
Choosing a reputable LASIK surgeon is critical to ensuring the greatest success with your LASIK treatment. Do your research ahead of time, start by asking the following questions when you arrive for your consultation:
How many LASIK surgeries have you performed?
The more surgeries a LASIK surgeon performs, the more experienced and skillful they are likely to be. Look for a surgeon who has performed thousands of surgeries rather than hundreds.
What is your success rate?
Closely related to the number of surgeries a LASIK surgeon has carried out is their success rate. In general, a rate of over 90% is considered great.
What is your experience with similar patients?
Make sure you have a skilled LASIK surgeon who has experience dealing with similar patients to your own. Every patient is unique, and they should be able to adapt to such variations.
Questions About Your Surgery
During your consultation, your surgeon will extensively monitor your eyes to identify if you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery. Here are some other questions to ask to ensure you thoroughly understand the process:
What kind of LASIK technology do you use?
There are numerous techniques surgeons may use in LASIK surgery, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Ensure you fully understand the technique your surgeon will perform and how it may differ from other technologies.
What is the process of the surgery like?
You should fully understand what to expect both during and after surgery and what the healing period will entail. The surgeon should discuss the process of the LASIK surgery in detail with you and provide you with written post-operative instructions.
What is the cost of surgery?
Ensure that the provided quote is all-inclusive and that there will be no hidden fees.
Questions to Ask About the Procedure
Once a patient has been cleared for LASIK surgery after the preliminary exams, it’s time to prepare for the procedure. Here are some FAQs to ask your doctor at your pre-operative LASIK consultation:
What type of laser/modality do you use?
There are different types of LASIK lasers used and each of these uses a specific technology to deliver the laser energy to your cornea. For example, the most advanced all-laser LASIK techniques use laser technologies like femtosecond and excimer. These technologies are top-of-the-line and produce impressive results compared to older laser technologies.
What kind of preparation do I need to do before the surgery?
Before getting LASIK surgery, you will be required to prepare your eyes for at least one to two weeks before the procedure. This could consist of not wearing contact lenses before surgery, not applying make-up, and even taking certain eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
How long will the procedure take?
The LASIK surgery procedure is typically very quick, usually taking about 10-15 minutes per eye. However, it may require some testing and setup time before the actual procedure starts, which could take an additional one to two hours.
What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
The procedure is generally painless, although mild pressure may be felt during surgery. Anesthetic is used to numb the eye, making patients comfortable during the process, but they remain awake throughout the entire surgery.
How successful is this procedure?
Depending on your eye condition, LASIK surgery can have excellent results with a 20/20 vision for several years. In fact, over 90% of patients coming out of the surgery report a significant improvement in their vision. However, LASIK isn’t guaranteed to fix your vision completely, and there could still be a need for corrective lenses.
What are the potential risks and side effects of the procedure?
All surgeries have potential risks and side effects. Complications from LASIK surgery are minimal, but they can happen. Risks include infections, inaccurate/treated eye measurements, over or under-correction, and persistent dry eye. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you in detail before you make the final decision on whether you want to get the surgery or not.
What happens after the surgery?
The healing process after LASIK surgery can vary, but generally, patients will have some discomfort and mild pain following the procedure. You will be given instructions about how to care for the eye after surgery and asked to come back for post-surgery check-ups usually a day after the surgery, a week after, and then at one month, three months and six months after the procedure.
| No | Important Information to Ask |
|---|---|
| 1 | What are the risks and potential complications associated with LASIK? |
| 2 | What type of LASIK technology or equipment do you use? |
| 3 | How many LASIK procedures have you performed? |
| 4 | What kind of pre-operative testing and evaluation will I receive? |
| 5 | What is the expected outcome of the LASIK procedure? |
| 6 | What is the cost of the LASIK procedure? Does it include follow-up visits? |
| 7 | What is your policy on retreatment if needed? |
| 8 | Do you offer financing options for the LASIK procedure? |
Questions about the Lasik Procedure
After finding out if you are a good candidate for Lasik, the next step is to understand the procedure in more detail. Here are some important questions to ask during your Lasik consultation:
1. How long does the procedure take?
The actual Lasik procedure typically takes only around 15 minutes for both eyes. However, you will need to set aside several hours for the entire process, including preparation and recovery time.
2. Will I feel any pain during the procedure?
Laser eye surgery is usually painless, but you might feel some pressure or discomfort. Your doctor can provide reassurance or medication to help you stay comfortable during the procedure.
Questions about the Surgeon and Facility
Choosing the right surgeon and facility can have a significant impact on the success of your surgery. Here are some questions to help you determine if you should choose a particular surgeon or facility:
1. What are the surgeon’s qualifications and experience?
Make sure that your surgeon is board-certified and has experience in performing successful Lasik procedures. You can also ask how many procedures they have performed and what their success rates are.
2. What kind of technology and equipment is used in the facility?
The quality of the equipment used in the Lasik procedure can also be a significant factor in the outcome. You can ask what type of lasers and other equipment are used in the facility and research their effectiveness.
Ask About Your Candidacy for LASIK Surgery
Before getting the LASIK surgery, it’s important to know if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. LASIK surgery is a great option for correcting vision-related problems, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Therefore, you must consult with an experienced and certified ophthalmologist beforehand
What kind of eye problems can LASIK solve?
LASIK can solve myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. When going for a LASIK consultation, ask your doctor about the range of eye conditions that they can cure through LASIK.
What are the requirements for LASIK candidacy?
Your doctor will assess your age, overall health, and the condition of your eyes to determine your eligibility for LASIK surgery. Ideal candidates must have stable vision and a healthy cornea. They should also not have any autoimmune, keratoconus, or other ophthalmic diseases. It’s important to discuss these requirements in detail with your doctor before deciding on LASIK surgery.
Ask About the Procedure
What can I expect during the LASIK procedure?
Your doctor will explain the overall process of LASIK surgery in detail including whether they use a bladeless or traditional laser technique. They will also walk you through the procedure and its associated risks and benefits. Ask the doctor about the steps they will take during the procedure including how they will create the flap in your cornea, how long the procedure takes, and what medications they will use to numb the region around your eyes.
What should I do to prepare for the procedure?
Before the procedure, you may need to stop wearing your contact lenses for several weeks. Your doctor will provide you with pre-operative instructions, including what kind of medication you need to take, what to eat or drink, and how you should arrange a drive home after the surgery. Knowing how to prepare your eyes and body before the operation will help ensure the best possible outcome of the procedure
The more you know about the LASIK procedure before you undergo it, the better informed you will be and the more relaxed you will feel about the surgery.
Questions about Risks and Complications
While LASIK is a generally safe procedure, it is still a surgical procedure that carries some risks. It is important to understand these risks and complications before deciding to go through with the surgery. Here are some questions to ask your LASIK surgeon during your consultation:
1. What are the potential risks and complications of LASIK?
Your surgeon should discuss with you all the possible risks and complications of LASIK, including dry eyes, glare, halos, double vision, and decreased night vision. They should also inform you that some of these side effects may be permanent.
2. Am I a high-risk candidate for LASIK?
Some factors may increase your risk of complications after LASIK, such as thin corneas, large pupils, severe nearsightedness, or previous eye injuries/surgeries. You should ask if any of these factors apply to you and whether they affect your candidacy for LASIK.
3. How do you minimize the risks of LASIK?
Your surgeon should explain the steps they take to minimize the risks of LASIK, such as using advanced technology, performing thorough preoperative tests, and creating a precise surgical plan tailored to your individual needs.
4. What happens if I experience postoperative complications?
You should ask your surgeon what their protocol is if you experience any complications or unsatisfactory results after LASIK. Will they offer a retreatment or refund? Do they have a follow-up plan in place to monitor your healing process?
Questions about the surgeon
When it comes to getting LASIK, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the choice of surgeon. To get the best outcomes, it’s essential to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon you can trust. Here are some questions you may want to ask to determine if a surgeon is right for you:
What is your level of experience?
When it comes to LASIK surgery, experience matters. You want a surgeon who has performed many LASIK procedures and has years of experience under their belt. Ask about their level of experience, how many LASIK surgeries they’ve performed, and how long they’ve been performing the procedure. A surgeon who has completed thousands of LASIK surgeries will likely have the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver excellent results.
What are your qualifications?
It’s important to choose a LASIK surgeon who is board-certified and has the necessary qualifications to perform the procedure. Make sure to ask about your surgeon’s qualifications, certifications, and training. Surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology have completed rigorous education and training requirements and have demonstrated a high level of competence in their field.
What to Ask About Potential Risks and Complications
While LASIK is generally considered safe and effective, it’s important to understand that it is still a surgical procedure and there are potential risks and complications. Be sure to ask your surgeon about these risks and what steps will be taken to minimize them.
What are the common risks and complications associated with LASIK?
Some common complications of LASIK include:
- Dry eyes
- Halos or starbursts around lights
- Ghosts or double vision
- Fluctuating vision
- Undercorrection or overcorrection
- Infection
- Epithelial Ingrowth
- Corneal Ectasia
What are the chances of experiencing complications?
The likelihood of experiencing complications varies depending on a number of factors, including the specific procedure used, your individual physiology, and the skill and experience of your surgeon. However, the majority of LASIK patients experience few or no complications at all.
What steps will be taken to minimize the risk of complications?
Your surgeon should be able to outline in detail the steps that will be taken during your LASIK procedure to minimize the risk of complications. This might include using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, carefully measuring your eyes and corneas, or taking steps to ensure proper healing and recovery post-surgery.
What to Ask About the LASIK Procedure Itself
While you may be excited about the prospect of clear, crisp vision without the need for glasses or contacts, it’s important to remember that LASIK is still a surgical procedure. There is a lot to know about the actual procedure itself, including what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
What type of LASIK procedure will you be undergoing?
There are a variety of LASIK procedures, including traditional LASIK, bladeless LASIK, wavefront-guided LASIK, and more. Each of these options has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand which one is best for you.
What happens during the actual LASIK procedure?
Your surgeon should be able to explain in detail what will happen during your LASIK procedure, from the pre-operative preparation to the actual surgery. This might include the use of numbing drops to minimize pain or discomfort, the use of lasers to reshape your cornea, and any other steps that will be taken to ensure your safety and comfort during the procedure.
FAQ: What to Ask in a LASIK Consultation
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, it’s important to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about what to ask in a LASIK consultation.
1. What is LASIK and how does it work?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye, correcting vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgeon creates a small flap in the cornea and then uses a laser to remove tissue and reshape its curvature.
2. Is LASIK right for me?
That’s a question for your eye doctor to answer, but generally LASIK is a good option for people who have stable vision, are over 18 years old, and have overall healthy eyes. A LASIK consultation will help determine whether you’re a good candidate.
3. What are the risks and side effects of LASIK?
As with any surgery, there are risks involved with LASIK, such as dry eyes, halos or glare around lights at night, undercorrections or overcorrections, and even vision loss in rare cases. Your surgeon will go over the possible risks and side effects in detail during your consultation.
4. Will I need glasses or contacts after LASIK?
Many patients are able to see clearly without glasses or contacts after LASIK, but some may still need to wear corrective lenses in certain situations, such as driving at night. Your surgeon can give you a better idea of what to expect in your specific case.
5. How long will the recovery process take?
Most patients experience improved vision within a day or two after LASIK, but it can take several weeks for your eyes to fully heal. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes during the recovery process.
6. How long will the results last?
For most patients, the results of LASIK are permanent. However, some people may experience minor changes in their vision over time, especially as they get older and their eyes change naturally.
7. How much does LASIK cost?
The cost of LASIK can vary depending on a number of factors, such as where you live, the surgeon’s experience and reputation, and the type of technology used. Your surgeon can give you a cost estimate during your consultation.
8. Will insurance cover LASIK?
Most insurance plans do not cover LASIK because it is considered an elective procedure. However, some plans offer a discount or financing options.
9. How experienced is the surgeon performing my LASIK?
You can ask your surgeon about their experience with LASIK, how many procedures they’ve performed, and what their success rate is. It’s important to choose a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and trust.
10. What type of laser technology will be used?
There are several types of lasers used in LASIK, such as wavefront-guided and wavefront-optimized. Your surgeon can explain the differences and recommend the best option for your specific needs.
11. How long does the actual surgery take?
LASIK surgery typically takes less than 30 minutes per eye, and most patients are able to return home the same day.
12. Will I be awake during the procedure?
Yes, you will be awake during LASIK, but the surgeon will use anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes and minimize any discomfort. Some patients may also be given a mild sedative to help them relax.
13. How soon after LASIK can I return to work?
Most patients are able to return to work within a day or two after LASIK, depending on their individual recovery process. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline based on your job requirements and other factors.
14. What happens if I blink during the surgery?
The laser used in LASIK is designed to track any involuntary eye movements, so if you do happen to blink, the procedure will pause automatically until you’re ready to proceed again.
15. Can LASIK correct presbyopia (the need for reading glasses)?
LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but it is not typically used to correct presbyopia. However, there are other surgical options available for presbyopia, such as monovision LASIK.
16. Can LASIK be done on both eyes at the same time?
Yes, most patients have LASIK on both eyes during the same procedure to minimize recovery time.
17. Will I need someone to drive me home after LASIK?
Yes, you will not be able to drive immediately after LASIK, so you will need to arrange for someone to bring you home from the surgery center.
18. How should I prepare for LASIK?
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for LASIK, but generally you should avoid wearing contact lenses for a few weeks before the procedure, avoid applying lotion or makeup to your face on the day of surgery, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
19. Can LASIK be reversed?
LASIK is considered a permanent procedure, but in rare cases it may be possible to reverse the effects with additional surgery.
20. Can I still get LASIK if I have dry eye?
It depends on the severity of your dry eye. Your surgeon will evaluate your eyes during the consultation and let you know if LASIK is an option for you.
21. What happens if my vision is not fully corrected after LASIK?
In most cases, additional surgery is not necessary if your vision is not fully corrected after LASIK. You may need to wear glasses or contact lenses in certain situations, such as driving at night.
22. Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK is an effective treatment for astigmatism.
23. Will I be able to see during the procedure?
You will be able to see some flashing lights during the procedure, but your vision will be blurry due to the anesthetic eye drops.
24. How soon after LASIK can I resume physical activity?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on when it’s safe to resume physical activity after LASIK. Generally, you should avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for a few weeks.
25. What should I do if I have additional questions or concerns?
Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon any additional questions or express any concerns you may have during the consultation. They are there to help you make an informed decision about your eye care.
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you may be wondering what questions to ask during your consultation.
Thank You for Taking the Time to Read
Kind Reader, we hope we have been able to shed some light on what to ask during your LASIK consultation. Remember, this is your eyesight we are talking about, so don’t hesitate to ask any and all questions that come to your mind. A good LASIK specialist will be happy to answer them and make you feel comfortable. We wish you all the best with your LASIK procedure and hope you come back to visit us again for more useful information. Happy eyesight, everyone!
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