LASIK > The Qualifying Appointment – Am I a candidate for Lasik eye surgery?
In order to determine candidacy for LASIK a pre-operative evaluation is necessary known as a Qualifying Appointment. Dr. Wasserman does not charge any fee for this lengthy exam. Not every person with poor vision is a candidate for LASIK, and there are several factors related to your overall eye condition and health that need to be considered prior to determining your candidacy.
During your Qualifying Appointment Dr. Wasserman and his staff will conduct a very thorough examination of your eyes consisting of a number of tests: Topography, a WaveScan, Pachymetry to determine the thickness of your cornea, as well as a complete medical history.
Next our LASIK coordinator will escort you on a brief tour of the laser center and to review what you can expect should you decide to proceed ahead with LASIK. She will cover risks, complications, payment options and answer any additional questions you may have.
Dr. Wasserman will review all the test results, perform your eye exam and discuss your lifestyle, occupation and expectations from laser surgery. He will answer all your questions and finally determine your candidacy for LASIK. Most but not all people who wear glasses or contacts lenses to see clearly in the distance are candidates for LASIK. You should in general:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a stable prescription
- Not be pregnant or nursing
- Not have certain corneal or medical diseases that might interfere with healing
Expectations For LASIK eye surgery
In 98% of LASIK cases the visual outcome is 20/40 or better. You should enter into laser vision correction with the realistic goal of reducing your dependency on glasses or contacts. LASIK does not always create perfect 20/20 vision, although most cases are successful in improving vision. It is possible this is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make so it is important to discuss your personal expectations with our LASIK coordinator and Dr. Wasserman.