The LASIK/PRK Consult - Part 1

So you’ve decided to pursue laser vision correction and have made a few appointments for consultations. From your consultation you must make the choice of which surgeon to choose, providing that you are a candidate. We’ve previously discussed the qualities of a good LASIK/PRK doctor. So, what does a good consultation look like?

FIRST, WHAT HAPPENS AT A LASER VISION CONSULTATION?

A screening examination is performed to determine your qualification for the procedure. This usually consists of a determination of your refractive error (lens prescription), inspection of your pupils and front surface of the eye, an elevation mapping of your eye (corneal topography), and measurement of the thickness of your cornea. In some practices, a complete eye examination with pressure testing and dilation of the pupils is also done. The ophthalmologist reviews this information in light of your visual needs and provides you with options and recommendations for refractive surgery.

A GOOD CONSULTATION IS NOT RUSHED

When you are at your consult, you should never feel rushed. A good consultation should move along at a comfortable speed, and you should feel that you have ample time to ask any questions you may have. You should be treated as though you are an individual with unique eyes. Your laser vision coordinator and your doctor should both treat you as such, asking you questions about your lifestyle and your expected outcomes.

A GOOD CONSULTATION LETS YOU MEET THE SURGEON

Many laser vision centers will perform a thorough screening and determine your candidacy for LASIK or PRK without ever having consulted the surgeon. As the surgeon is ultimately the only one who can tell you whether or not you are a candidate and discuss what sort of outcome you can expect, you should always be able to meet with him or her at your consultation. Also, whether or not you like the doctor should be a major factor in choosing your surgeon. How can you determine this if you haven’t even met him or her?

Tune in later this week for the second part of this topic.