01 / Your prescription

Why does a stable prescription matter?

LASIK changes the cornea to improve how light focuses in the eye. It cannot stop every future change in vision. Your doctor will want to know whether your glasses or contact lens prescription has changed recently. [2]

The FDA identifies a prescription change during the past year as a reason for caution. Pregnancy, nursing, some medications, and health conditions can affect stability or healing. LASIK is not approved for children under 18, and the specific laser’s labeling also matters. Share your health history instead of assuming age alone settles the question. [3]

02 / Cornea & eye health

What does corneal testing tell your surgeon?

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. Its thickness and shape influence whether LASIK is appropriate. Thin corneas, keratoconus, and other eye conditions may change the recommendation. Dry eye symptoms also deserve attention because LASIK can worsen dryness. [3]

Ask the surgeon to explain the findings in plain language: “Which measurements support LASIK for me, and which findings make you cautious?” You should leave understanding the reasoning behind the recommendation, whether that recommendation is treatment, additional evaluation, or waiting.

Before your appointment, ask how long to leave contact lenses out and whether dilation will affect your plans afterward. Follow the office’s instructions for your lens type; a friend’s preparation schedule may not fit your situation.

03 / Everyday expectations

What can LASIK—and what can it not—promise?

LASIK can reduce dependence on glasses or contacts for some people, but it does not guarantee perfect vision. Glasses may still be needed, and additional treatment is not always possible. Risks include persistent dry eye, glare, halos, double vision, and loss of vision. Discuss how these risks relate to your eyes. [4]

LASIK does not prevent presbyopia, the age-related change that makes near focusing harder. If you already use readers or are noticing difficulty with small print, make near vision part of the consultation. [2]

These questions give your surgeon context that an eye chart alone cannot provide.

04 / If LASIK is not suitable

What if LASIK is not the right fit?

An evaluation can still be useful if LASIK is not recommended. Ask whether glasses, contacts, another procedure, or treatment of an eye condition would better meet your needs. Azure also provides information about EVO ICL and refractive lens exchange; each has its own indications, risks, and testing requirements.

Do not assume that being unsuitable for one procedure makes you eligible for another. A useful follow-up question is: “What makes the alternative appropriate for my eyes?” You can also review Azure’s LASIK, RLE, and EVO ICL comparison before discussing the differences with the surgeon.

05 / Your consultation

How should you prepare for a LASIK consultation in DFW?

Write down your top two goals and any concerns about surgery. Bring your medication list, previous eye surgery details, and questions about recovery. Ask who provides follow-up care, which appointments are included, and how to reach the team if a problem develops. The FDA’s checklist also recommends asking about the surgeon’s experience and the patient information for the proposed laser. [1]

David T. Truong, MD, is Azure’s board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery. When scheduling, tell the team you want a LASIK candidacy evaluation.

Azure’s Fort Worth office on North Tarrant Parkway is a starting point for patients in Alliance, Keller, Haslet, and nearby North Fort Worth communities. The Colleyville office provides another option for patients in Colleyville, Southlake, Grapevine, and the surrounding DFW area. Confirm where testing, surgery, and follow-up will take place before arranging time away from work.