LASIK Candidacy Assessment

Am I a LASIK Candidate?

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.

LASIK Surgery Requirements

• Stable Vision:

Your vision must be stable (this means your glasses/contacts prescription must not have changed in the last year).

• Overall Eye Health

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.

• Pregnancy

You cannot be pregnant OR nursing on the day of your surgery. You will be given medication that may be harmful to your baby.

• Physiology

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.

The Candidacy Assessment Process and Comprehensive Eye Examination

Our Two-Step Candidacy Process

1. Complimentary Refractive Screening
Your journey begins with a complimentary screening performed by our trained staff. During this visit, we will:

• Discuss your vision goals and interest in laser vision correction

• Review basic information about your prescription, eye health, and medical history

• Perform preliminary measurements and testing

• Determine whether you appear to be a potential candidate for LASIK or another refractive procedure

• Answer general questions about the treatment process, recovery, scheduling, and financing
  
  

This screening is an initial candidacy assessment and does not replace a comprehensive eye examination or final recommendation from a doctor.

2. Comprehensive Consultation and Eye Examination
If you are identified as a potential candidate, you will return for a complete refractive consultation and comprehensive eye examination with one of our doctors.

This evaluation may include:

• Visual acuity testing: Measures the clarity of your vision at different distances.

• Refraction assessment: Determines your current glasses or contact lens prescription and helps confirm prescription stability.

• Corneal mapping: Evaluates the shape, curvature, and thickness of the cornea to determine whether it may be safely treated.

• iDesign® Wavefront Mapping: Creates a detailed, personalized map of the eye to help guide treatment planning.

• Pupil evaluation: Measures pupil size and evaluates how your eyes respond under different lighting conditions.

• Dilated eye examination: Allows the doctor to examine the internal structures of your eyes and identify conditions that could affect treatment.

• Dry-eye evaluation: Assesses the quality and stability of your tear film because untreated dry eye may affect comfort, healing, and visual results.
  
  

Your doctor will review the findings, discuss whether LASIK is appropriate, and explain any alternative treatment options that may better suit your eyes.
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Customized Treatment Plans

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.

Expert Consultation and Education

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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: