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If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, LASIK
Eye Surgery represents an opportunity to take a journey to freedom from the
hassle of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Just as the pilot of airplane goes
through a "readiness" checklist to make sure that that the flight will be safe
and comfortable for travelers, this LASIK Information Checklist is a final check
to make sure that you have gathered and reviewed the necessary information about
the LASIK procedure, alternatives to LASIK, questions to ask about LASIK, the
LASIK consultation and experience and LASIK surgeons.
I have fully thought about what I hope to achieve by
eliminating my dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. I can clearly state
at least one or two meaningful activities that upon being less dependent on
eyeglasses and contacts will mean my LASIK procedure was
successful.
There is nothing in my current occupation or planned future
occupation that would suggest having LASIK might not be a good method of vision
correction.
There is nothing about the recreational activities I enjoy
that would preclude me from having LASIK and in fact they would be even more
enjoyable or I could actually do them better or more safely if I didn't have to
wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.
I understand all of the fees I will pay for LASIK including my
LASIK consultation and all pretreatment diagnostic testing, my actual LASIK
surgery, all of my LASIK follow-up care and any enhancements that might be
necessary. If I have decided to use a monthly payment plan, I understand the
monthly costs, the interest rate that will be charged and the length of time I
will have to pay. If I have decided to use a "zero % interest" plan, I
understand what the payments will be initially and what the payments and
interest rate will be AFTER the initial zero % interest rate periods. I am
prepared for any and all fees.
I have identified for my LASIK surgeon any and all illnesses
that I am being treated for and especially ones that may effect my ability to
heal properly. I have also identified those illnesses for which I have been
treated in the past that may effect healing as well as those for which I was
evaluated.
I have identified for my LASIK surgeon any and all eye
conditions, besides wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses that I have been told
that I have, have been treated for or have been evaluated for.
I have identified for my LASIK surgeon any and all medications
that I am currently taking or have taken within the last year, whether by
prescription or purchased over the counter. I have especially made him or her
aware of those medications which might effect healing or cause my eyes to be
dry.
I have made sure that I provided my LASIK surgeon any old
eyeglasses or contact lenses, or copies of eyeglass or contact lens
prescriptions so that the stability of my prescription can be
verified.
Especially if I have large pupils, I have had a chance to
discuss this with my LASIK surgeon. We have taken careful measurements with a
pupilometer and I have had a wavefront refraction with an aberrometer to
determine whether I have higher order aberrations that will need to be treated
with Custom LASIK.
I have had a measurement of my corneal thickness with a
pachymeter in order to determine if I am suitable for LASIK. If I do not have
adequate corneal thickness, then I have discussed other Laser Eye Surgery
options such as PRK, LASEK and Epi LASIK and not having Laser Eye surgery at
all, with my LASIK surgeon.
During my evaluation and consultation, my tearfilm was
evaluated to see if I have signs of tearfilm instability or dry eyes. If I have
ever been treated for dry eyes, take medication or use eyedrops for dry eyes, I
have advised my LASIK surgeon. If I am currently or have taken any medications
for dry eyes I have advised my LASIK surgeon.
I have discussed with the surgeon and their staff that all
eyes heal slightly differently and that I may experience an overcorrection or
undercorrection. I understand that if it is visually significant and medically
necessary, I may require a second "enhancement" procedure to obtain my desired
result.
I understand and I have discussed with my LASIK surgeon or
their staff, that LASIK only corrects distance vision. If I am above 40 I
realize that I will need reading glasses to see up close if not immediately
after my LASIK procedure, within some foreseeable period of time. If I already
wear bifocals and need correction for far and near at this time, I have
discussed monovision LASIK and other alternatives with my
surgeon.
I understand and I have discussed with my LASIK surgeon or
their staff, that some patients experience an increase in glare and haloes after
LASIK. I have had a pupilometry measurement and an aberrometry measurement and
discussed the results with my LASIK surgeon in order to determine whether Custom
LASIK would be best for me and minimize the possibility of glare and
haloes.
I understand and I have discussed with my LASIK surgeon or
their staff that some patients experience reduced vision in dim or dark
lighting, making night driving difficult. I have had a pupilometry measurement
and an aberrometry measurement and discussed the results with my LASIK surgeon
in order to determine whether Custom LASIK would be best for me and minimize the
possibility of reduced contrast vision in dark or dim
illumination.
I have inquired and understand my LASIK surgeon's length of
experience and cumulative number of LASIK Eye Surgery procedures that he or she
has performed. I am comfortable with this.
I have inquired and understand that my LASIK surgeon will be
using a scanning and tracking FDA approved Excimer Laser System. I have
confirmed that my LASIK surgeon rountinely has the preventative maintenance
performed to monitor the laser's performance, reliability and conformance with
the laser manufacturer's specifications. I am satisfied that pretreatment
diagnostic testing included thorough measurements to allow a proper decision to
made about my suitability and treatment procedure
recommendation.
I have had a chance to meet and speak with key staff members
who will be part of my care team. I have had a chance to ask all of the
questions that I might have at this point in time. I know who to ask should I
have additional questions at any point in time. I am confident that my LASIK
surgeon will be available and involved in order to answer questions or provide
additional examinations.
This LASIK Information Checklist is a final list of questions
and considerations to make sure that you have prepared yourself for the most
successful LASIK journey.
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