LASIK or laser vision correction surgery is the most common type of refractive surgery performed in the US and at TVLC we have safely and successfully performed thousands of these life-changing procedures.
However, some patients are not ideal candidates for LASIK eye surgery because of their specific eye anatomy or other factors that could negatively impact the surgery or healing process. In order for TVLC to determine your eligibility to undergo LASIK surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive (and painless!) screening of your eyes.
Our primary goal at TVLC is patient safety and comfort and we won’t compromise your eye health under any circumstances. Every patient is different as we were all created with small differences in our anatomy. The extensive testing and preoperative LASIK evaluation you will undergo helps our surgeon and you make the best surgical decision for your unique situation.
Your vision must be stable (this means your glasses/contacts prescription must not have changed in the last year).
You must not have a history of severe dry eye syndrome, herpes eye infections, cornea scarring or an autoimmune disorder such as Lupus or Sjogren’s Syndrome, or other diseases that may impact the healing process. You and your surgeon will discuss your relevant medical history at your evaluation.
You cannot be pregnant OR nursing on the day of your surgery. You will be given medication that may be harmful to your baby.
Thin corneas, irregular topography or significant deficiency may make a patient ineligible for LASIK. Our trained care team will conduct tests on your eyes to ensure you are candidate for LASIK at TVLC. In the case of extremely high nearsighted patients, or those with genetically thin corneas, PRK may be a better option.
At TVLC, we’ve streamlined the LASIK candidacy assessment to ensure it’s as smooth and informative as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you come in for your evaluation:
Your LASIK journey begins with an initial consultation. During this relaxed meeting, you’ll get to know our friendly staff and discuss your vision goals, and expectations. We’ll also take this opportunity to review your medical history, including any previous eye conditions or surgeries.
Next, you’ll go through a complete eye exam conducted by our experienced eye care professionals. We’ll measure your eye's refractive error, corneal tomography and visual acuity testing to determine your current prescription and gauge whether your vision has been stable. Our goal is to gather all the information necessary to understand your unique eye anatomy.
After gathering all the necessary data with the help of the LASIK candidacy assessment, our surgeon will sit down with you to go over the results. We’ll provide a personalized recommendation, on whether LASIK is the best option for you or if another procedure, like PRK, might be more suitable. Our goal is to tailor the surgical plan to your specific needs and ensure you are well informed about every aspect of the procedure.
Once the LASIK assessment is complete and you’ve had a thorough discussion with our surgeon, it’s time for the final decision. We encourage you to take your time with this choice. Our team is here to answer any questions and provide support every step of the way.
During your comprehensive eye examination at TVLC, you’ll go through a series of important pre-LASIK assessments and screenings designed to ensure your eyes are perfectly suited for LASIK. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:
Visual Acuity Testing:Think of this as the classic eye chart test. We’ll ask you to read letters of varying sizes from a distance to determine how sharp your vision is. This helps us measure your visual clarity and is essential in assessing whether LASIK can significantly benefit you.
Refraction Assessment: Ever experienced that "1 or 2" moment during an eye exam? That’s the refraction assessment! This test helps us determine your exact eyeglass or contact lens prescription by using a phoropter to systematically measure how light changes as it enters your eyes. A stable prescription is key for LASIK success.
Corneal Mapping: This is where the magic of advanced tech comes into play. Using specialized equipment, we create a detailed map of your cornea’s surface. This topographical map reveals the shape and thickness of your cornea, which are crucial factors in deciding if LASIK is right for you. Corneal mapping ensures we can precisely customize the LASIK procedure to your eye.
Pupil Dilation: To get a complete view of your eye health, we’ll temporarily dilate your pupils with eye drops. While this may make your vision a bit blurry for a short while, it allows us to thoroughly examine the internal structures of your eye, identifying any underlying issues that could affect your LASIK candidacy.
Dry Eye Evaluation: Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common post-LASIK complications, so we take extra care to test for this condition. We’ll assess your tear production and quality using specialized tests to ensure your eyes are in optimal health before surgery.
Each of these pre-LASIK assessments plays a vital role in painting a complete picture of your eye health and visual capabilities.
At TVLC, we believe that no two eyes (or patients) are alike, which is why our approach to LASIK candidacy assessment is anything but one-size-fits-all. Our personalized process ensures that every detail of your eye health is considered, allowing us to tailor a treatment plan that’s uniquely yours. From the initial consultation to the final decision, we're all about you and your vision goals.
After the comprehensive eye examination, the results become the roadmap for your personalized treatment plan. The detailed data we collect, like your visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal shape, allows us to understand your specific vision needs and any potential challenges. With this information, our skilled eye surgeon crafts a customized surgical plan that addresses every aspect of your eye anatomy and health. This customized approach ensures not only the safety and success of the LASIK procedure but also aims to fulfill your unique vision expectations, giving you the clearest sight possible.
At TVLC, our skilled surgeons and dedicated staff play a crucial role in guiding you through the pre-LASIK assessment process. Imagine having a team of top-notch professionals by your side, explaining every step in a way that's easy to understand and genuinely cares about your vision goals.
We believe that patient education, transparency, and open communication are key to making informed decisions. From answering your burning questions to providing all the information you need to know, our team is committed to ensuring you feel confident and well-informed about your vision correction options.
We're not just here to perform a procedure; we're here to partner with you on your journey to better vision.
Your questions are our priority.
If you have any concerns or queries about the LASIK assessment process, here are some of our most frequently asked questions:
A: The entire process usually takes around two hours. This includes all pre-LASIK assessments and a thorough discussion with our surgeon.
A: Yes! Our experienced surgeons will perform all necessary eye examinations and personally discuss your results and treatment options with you.
A: Yes, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your LASIK assessment. We recommend avoiding wearing corrective lenses at least two weeks before the appointment and bringing any relevant medical records or previous eye exam results with you. It's also helpful to have someone accompany you to the appointment, as your eyes may be dilated.
A: If our LASIK surgeon determines that LASIK is not the best option for you, we will discuss alternative procedures that may better suit your specific needs and goals.
A: It depends on your insurance plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and provide information for financing options if needed.
