Is LASIK for Me?

Am I a LASIK candidate?
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. There are many factors that both you and your doctor should discuss while considering LASIK including your health and lifestyle. At your consultation, we will discuss these factors with you at length, to help you evaluate if LASIK is right for you. We will also do some important preliminary testing of your eye to help determine your candidacy.

What about reading glasses?
Presbyopia is a condition of the eye that everyone develops around the age of 40-50. This is when the eye (specifically the lens) loses its ability to accommodate, or focus, on things that are up close. When symptoms of presbyopia begin, you may notice yourself holding objects farther away from your face or even taking your glasses off to read if you are nearsighted. Because LASIK is done on the cornea, and presbyopia occurs in the lens, LASIK will not correct presbyopia. Eventually, we will all need reading glasses, even those who have had LASIK. There are other procedures that can correct presbyopia that you may want to ask your doctor about.

Testing we will do:
Like we said before, LASIK is not for everyone. The testing and information gathered at your consultation is by far one of the most crucial parts in recommending (or not recommending) a procedure that is safe for you. It also helps to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients. These tests are quick, painless and give us invaluable information about your eyes.

• Pentacam topography (3D, topographical imaging of the cornea)
• Pupil Measurements
• Corneal thickness measurments
• Visual acuity with and without correction
• Corneal staining (to look for dry spots on the cornea)

Things we will discuss with you at your consultation:

• Procedures offered
  
• Alternatives to refractive surgery
  
• Contact lens removal
• Presbyopia
• Time off work
• Post-op expectations
• Enhancements
• Risks and benefits of the procedure
• Cost and financing
• Cataracts and Cataract surgery
• Scheduling

Questions that may be asked during your consultation:

• Have you had previous eye surgery? Injuries? Medical Conditions?
• How stable is your prescription?
• Have you tried other options (glasses or contacts)?
• What are you hobbies? Interests? Occupation?
• Why do you want LASIK?
• Are you ok with wearing glasses to read?
• Have you heard of or tried monovision?