Your Initial Consultation: Measurement of Pupil, Tear Duct Function and Wavefront Analysis
In a previous article, we discussed some the initial consultation and the events a patient would experience during their visit. Today, we will be expanding upon the tests that will be performed to determine if a patient is eligible for LASIK and if LASIK is the right choice for them.
These tests are important because some patients with large pupils may not be good candidates for LASIK due to the risk of possible side effects, such as halos or glare. Your tear duct production will also be checked. Patients who have naturally dry eyes could be at risk for complications following the procedure.
In some cases, a custom wavefront analysis may also be performed. With this analysis, a blueprint can be created to customize your vision correction. While a traditional eye exam can be subjective in nature because it’s based on a patient’s answers and how he or she thinks they see, wavefront technology provides a more objective analysis of your vision. This is because it is based on the way in which the light travels through the eye.
After your eye exam is finished, the results of your tests will be discussed with you along with your candidacy for LASIK. If you are considered a good candidate for laser eye surgery, you will be able to ask questions about the procedure.
Drops will be used for dilating your eyes. It will take approximately 20 minutes for these drops to take effect.
Be aware that that you should expect the consultation and eye exam to be very comprehensive. Plan for it to take between two and three hours. Since your eyes will be dilated, you should also anticipate some sensitivity to light. You should be fine to drive on the day of your exam. Plan to bring your glasses and contact box with you to your appointment.
While our goal is to help as many people as possible with LASIK, many surgeons report sending about 10 percent of their patients away who come in for LASIK consultations, saying “Glasses or contact lenses might be right for you, and maybe in the future technology will exist or be created that will be a better option for you, but for right now, what you’ve got is best.”
Are you ready to learn more about LASIK, and find out whether you might be a good candidate for the procedure? Our wonderful staff at The Eye Care Institute, would love to help answer any questions you may have.
We’re delighted to offer free LASIK consultations to anyone who wishes to learn more.
Feel free to either click here to call us, or fill out this contact form.