Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure

The Lasik eye surgery procedure is being preformed today with positive results. When considering the Lasik eye surgery procedure the following is what a patient can expect on their initial visit to the surgeon.

The patient will need a complete eye examination by a qualified refractive surgeon. A preliminary eye exam may have been performed by an optometrist and the patient may then have been referred to a surgeon. When attending the initial appointment with the refractive surgeon, the patient should take their eye prescription records and any other pertinent information.

During the initial exam with the eye surgeon to determine if the Lasik eye surgery procedure is an option for the patient the doctor will dilate the pupils to fine-tune your prescription. The surgeon will also examine your eyes to make sure they're healthy. This includes a glaucoma test and a retina exam as if these conditions exist the patient may not be a suitable candidate for the Lasik eye surgery procedure. The following measurements will be taken: The curvature of your cornea and your pupils. You may be rejected for the Lasik eye surgery procedure if your pupils are too large. Also the topography of your eyes will be checked to make sure you don't have an irregular astigmatism or a cone-shaped cornea - a condition called Keratoconus. The thickness of the cornea will be evaluated as there needs to be enough tissue left after the corneas have been cut and reshaped.

Before the patient undergoes the Lasik eye surgery procedure he will be asked to sign an informed consent form after a thorough discussion of the risks, benefits, alternative options and possible complications. The patient should review the form carefully and not sign until he understands everything in the form. If the surgeon doesn't think the Lasik eye surgery procedure is right for the patient, the patient may certainly get a second opinion; however, if the opinion is the same, believe it.

If the patient does qualify for the Lasik eye surgery procedure, your doctor may tell you to stop wearing your contact lenses for a while before the surgery is scheduled because contacts can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. The patients' cornea should be in its natural shape the day of surgery. Your Lasik doctor also may tell you to stop wearing makeup, lotions or perfume for a few days before surgery. These products can interfere with the laser treatment or increase the risk of infection after surgery.

Once the patient has had the initial visit to the surgeon then the doctor can inform the patient if he is a good candidate for the Lasik eye surgery procedure following that then the patient can make an informed decision on whether or not to follow through with the surgery.