If you’re thinking about getting LASIK, it’s a big deal. You could be on your way to clear vision and a life without contacts or glasses.
But before you decide anything, you need to have a consultation. A consultation for LASIK isn’t only about deciding if you want to have the procedure and understand the potential risks and rewards.
This is certainly an important part of the procedure. A LASIK consultation also includes an evaluation to make sure that LASIK is right for you, regardless of whether you decide you want it or not.
Keep reading to find out why you need to have a LASIK consultation!
LASIK isn’t for Everyone
Most people who decide to have a LASIK consultation are good candidates for the procedure. But around 15% are screened out for one reason or another.
A large part of this is safety, but there are also other factors to consider. When you decide you want LASIK, it’s important to know what kind of potential outcomes you’re looking at.
As with any surgical procedure, you should have the right kind of expectations. Talking to a LASIK surgeon during a consultation is the best way to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
And you may decide LASIK isn’t for you or at least it isn’t something you want to pursue soon. A consultation is a zero-commitment way to explore the possibility of having LASIK.
That’s always a good thing to do before you make any kind of decision.
Safety
While a LASIK consultation is a good way to decide if you want to have the procedure, it’s also necessary to determine if it’s safe for you. Most people that are healthy and at least 18 years old make good LASIK candidates.
But there are some things that need to be examined by a professional to make sure there won’t be any complications if you decide to have LASIK. This includes testing your tear production to make sure you aren’t prone to dry eye.
If you are, it can make it harder for your eyes to heal after LASIK. You’ll also have your corneas measured to make sure they’re thick enough.
LASIK requires making a flap in the cornea, and if there isn’t enough corneal tissue, it can cause serious complications. You also need to have pupils below a certain size.
If your pupils are too large, this can cause difficulties seeing in low light after LASIK. What if you find out LASIK isn’t right for you even after a consultation? There are still some options!
Alternative Procedures
A consultation will allow you to discuss the next steps with a doctor if it turns out LASIK isn’t right for you. This can be due either to issues with your eyes or personal preference.
LASIK isn’t the only vision correction procedure that’s available. There are, in fact, quite a few.
Some don’t need your corneas to be a certain thickness. Some are even less minimally invasive than LASIK.
Some involve implanting a permanent contact lens inside your eye. If LASIK isn’t for you, talk to your doctor about what alternatives they recommend for you.
Ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK? Schedule your LASIK consultation at New England Eye Center in Boston, MA, today!
