Are you thinking about having LASIK? If you’re considering this vision correction procedure, you may have a lot of questions.
The perfect time to have them answered is during your LASIK consultation. If you’re not sure what to ask, keep reading for 9 questions you’d never think to ask at a LASIK consultation!
1. What is LASIK Like?
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be awake during it. If you’re nervous, you may receive a sedative to remain calm.
There’s no pain since you’ll also get numbing eye drops that take effect before LASIK starts. The procedure only takes a few minutes per eye and has a short recovery period.
2. Why am I a good candidate for LASIK?
There are a lot of things that go into LASIK candidacy. Common factors include age, health, corneal thickness, and if you have dry eye syndrome. These are only some of the factors taken into account before determining if you’re a good candidate.
3. Is LASIK a permanent procedure?
Yes, LASIK is permanent since it reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s important to realize that although LASIK is permanent, it can’t treat future eye conditions.
This means that even if you have LASIK, you’ll still develop conditions like cataracts and presbyopia later on.
4. What should I wear when I have LASIK?
Select a comfortable outfit before having LASIK. It’s a good idea to wear something you can easily remove, like a sweatshirt and leggings. Avoid materials that shed to reduce the chance of any foreign particles getting in your eyes.
5. Can I take a shower after LASIK?
Yes, but you need to be careful. Don’t get any water, shampoo, or products in your eyes. This means that when you shower, you need to keep your eyes closed.
6. Am I the right age for LASIK?
To get LASIK, you must be at least 18 years old. Although you can get LASIK at this age, most LASIK surgeons recommend waiting until your mid to late twenties.
Waiting longer ensures that your eyes have stopped growing and won’t change. Having a stable prescription is one of the most crucial parts for LASIK candidates.
7. What will the final results be like?
Most patients who get LASIK have 20/20 vision or better, but this is not a guarantee. Many can finally achieve visual freedom from glasses and contact lenses as well.
Before any procedure, LASIK included, you must have realistic expectations about what it’s achievable. If your prescription is too strong, LASIK may not be suitable for you. If this is the case, your eye doctor can discuss other alternatives, like PRK to correct your vision.
8. What experience do you have performing LASIK eye surgery?
When deciding which LASIK surgeon to use, you need to know how skilled and experienced they are. A good surgeon should be willing to answer any questions you might have about their education, background, and experience performing the procedure.
You want a surgeon who has more experience and has performed LASIK thousands of times. Your surgeon should also screen out candidates that don’t qualify for LASIK, which may be up to 25% of potential candidates.
9. What type of technology do you use?
Make sure to ask about what kind of technology your surgeon uses. The types of technology surgeons have access to are not always the most advanced.
Not everyone has access to the best technology or invests in what’s new or state-of-the-art. You should talk about current LASIK technology and what type of technology is the best for you.
Are you ready to find out if LASIK is right for you? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, and be prepared to experience visual freedom!
