What to Expect During a LASIK Evaluation: A Step-by-step Guide

March 24, 2023

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery recommend LASIK or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for patients with refractive errors. This laser eye surgery can improve your vision. Knowing what to expect during a LASIK evaluation can help you prepare for it. 

Pupil Measurement

Decades ago, an eye doctor would shine a penlight or flashlight on pupils. This would help determine the patient’s pupil sizes. But this old method was not accurate enough. The modern method uses either infrared or light amplification technology to measure your pupils. Both methods can measure your pupils in low light conditions even without making your pupils get smaller. 

Cycloplegic Dilated Exam

Your eye doctor will use a dilating eyedrop. This will enlarge your pupil and let more light into your eye. The extra light will help your eye doctor complete your eye exam. Another reason for this exam is to find out if your eyes have good accommodation when you have close work. The dilation eyedrops relax the muscle responsible for changing your lens’ shape. The cycloplegic dilated exam can help you get the vision stability that you need after your LASIK procedure. 

Corneal Tomography and Corneal Topography

There are no similar corneas. Each cornea has tiny irregularities unique to the individual. Corneal tomography measures the corneal thickness, shape, and structure. Corneal topography is a main factor in assessing if a patient can have LASIK surgery. It is also vital in planning follow-up surgery for enhancement.      

Dry Eye Assessment and Tear Film Exam

Many LASIK patients have dry eye syndrome. This condition is a common risk factor that can delay your recovery after the procedure. The cornea does not have blood vessels. It relies on your aqueous fluid (inside) and tear film (outside) for nutrition. This layer of fluid serves as a barrier between the outside environment and the cornea. 

The tear film gives a smooth corneal surface. This provides you with clear vision and protection against infection. Your eye doctor must treat your dry eye first if the tear film exam results show that you have it. Applying artificial tears as needed during the day and ointments at night can provide relief. Your eye doctor may combine eyedrops and ointments with other medications. Punctal plugs can stop the outflow of your tears. This prevents your tear film from evaporating too fast. 

Measuring Corneal Thickness

Finding out the thickness of your cornea before your LASIK procedure can help your eye doctor determine how thick the corneal flap should be. Removing the right amount of corneal tissue and leaving behind untouched corneal tissue can help produce good LASIK results. This measuring technology is important to people who have thinner corneas and higher corrections. 

Knowing what to expect during your LASIK evaluation can help you prepare for your procedure. At the Eye Associates of New York, we help our patients achieve better eye and vision health through our high-quality products and treatments. 

For more on LASIK evaluations, visit the Eye Associates of New York at our New York, New York office. Call (212) 650-4888 to schedule an appointment today.