Indeed, the purpose of any pre-LASIK assessment is to determine if the patient can safely undergo LASIK and have visual results that can remain stable for a reasonable period of time. The criteria to consider are many and the list, though not exhaustive, include the patient’s refractive error, corneal thickness and corneal shape.
Some cases are frankly either safe or unsafe to have LASIK. However, there is a group of patients who may belong in the grey zone for which there can be variations of interpretation between surgeons. Surgeons do have different levels of risk appetite and hence it can sometimes cause confusion for patients seeking second opinions about their suitability for LASIK surgery.
Be sure that in all your visits, the surgeons goes through in detail the specific pros and cons of the various options and advise you on the appropriate treatment choice for your eyes. Walk away form anyone who tells you that any surgery is “risk-free”.
Should your case truly be unsuitable for LASIK, you may still consider the alternative forms of refractive surgery that include Advanced Surface Ablation, ReLEx SMILE or implantable contact lens. However, all the various techniques have their own set of suitability criteria and will have to considered individually on how they may benefit you.
Dr David Chan
