 A
thorough eye exam is the first step. Your refractive error,
current vision prescription and best-corrected vision (the
last line on the eye chart you can see wearing your glasses
or contacts) are determined during your visit. The outside
of your eye is checked for infections, eyelid abnormalities
or tear duct problems. Your pupil is evaluated and measured
and a pressure check for glaucoma is performed. Through dilated
pupils, the inside of your eye is examined to detect problems
such as cataracts or retinal disease.
Dr. Hornfeld will measure your cornea with precise computerized
topographical maps. These maps help him determine if LASIK
is right for you. Another measurement of the corneal surface
is taken with a device called a keratometer. The thickness
of the cornea is measured with a pachymeter to make sure
that your cornea is not too thin for this type of surgery.
Your dominant eye is identified, since this may influence
which eye is treated first and how much each eye is treated.
Some people choose to have LASIK performed on both eyes
at the same time to eliminate visual imbalance between surgeries.
Others choose to have one eye done at a time. You and Dr.
Hornfeld should make this decision together.
You will be advised to stop wearing contact lenses for a
period of time before your consultation: 2 weeks for soft
contact lenses and at least 4 weeks for rigid gas permeable
or hard contact lenses. Contact lenses can temporarily change
the shape of the cornea, and it is important that your cornea
be in its natural shape on the day of your consultation
and surgery. Depending on your occupation, you may need
to take one to several days off. Be sure to consider this
possibility when scheduling surgery.
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