You’ve made the decision to consider LASIK eye surgery. You’ve done your homework and scheduled your consultation. During this comprehensive consultation, we will ask you questions about your personal health history and carefully evaluate your eyes and vision to make sure they are suitable for vision correction with LASIK.
We can’t stress enough the importance of providing a complete health history and telling us about of all medications you’re taking. Sometimes patients are tempted to withhold information from their doctors. They don’t think their anxiety, depression or cholesterol is anyone’s business, or they’re too embarrassed to discuss their treatments for issues like constipation or incontinence. But it’s extremely important to be completely honest during your LASIK consultation in order to ensure you’re getting the best possible recommendations for your eye health.
Here are four questions you should be prepared to answer during your initial consultation:
- Any health conditions? Some health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome may impact your candidacy for LASIK. Also tell us about any surgical procedures or hospitalizations you have had recently or in the past. Any associated medications you take to manage these health conditions may affect healing.
- Are you pregnant or nursing? Hormonal changes during pregnancy or while nursing can alter the shape of your cornea, which means it might be better to wait to have vision correction surgery until after you give birth or are done nursing.
- What medications (even over the counter) are you taking? Certain medications can increase risks or interfere with post-operative healing, including immunosuppressants, isotretinoin (Accutane), etc. Talk to us about what over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking on a regular or frequent basis – some may contribute to dry eye or other changes. Some patients find it easier to simply bring a full list of their medications with them to to consultation.
- Do you have seasonal allergies or are you allergic to any medications? We need to know if there are any medications or substances you are allergic to, as well as what medications you take to manage your symptoms and reactions. We want to keep you safe.
For various reasons, not everyone is a good candidate for the LASIK procedure, but the vast majority of my patients tell me they consider it one of the best investments they’ve made. Our goal is to develop a trusting relationship with each patient and to support them in making the decision that is right for them. If you’re ready to improve your quality of life with LASIK, contact us and together we will take the next step.