20 Questions

Questions to Ask Lasik Doctor

Essential questions to ask your Lasik surgeon before undergoing laser eye surgery, covering safety, expectations, risks, and recovery to help you make an informed decision about this life-changing procedure.

1

What are my candidacy requirements for Lasik, and am I a good candidate?

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Why this works

Determines if you're suitable for the procedure based on your eye health, prescription, and other factors that affect eligibility and outcomes.

2

What are the specific risks and potential complications for my case?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the potential risks and complications specific to your situation and how they might affect your vision and daily life.

3

What is your experience level with Lasik surgery, and how many procedures have you performed?

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Why this works

Assesses the surgeon's expertise and experience, which is crucial for ensuring you're in capable hands for this important procedure.

4

What type of Lasik technology do you use, and what are the advantages of your approach?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the technology being used and whether it's the most advanced and appropriate option for your specific needs.

5

What are my realistic expectations for vision improvement and recovery time?

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Why this works

Sets proper expectations for outcomes and helps you plan for recovery, ensuring you understand what to expect during the healing process.

6

What is the success rate for patients with my prescription and eye characteristics?

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Why this works

Provides specific success rates for your situation, helping you understand the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes.

7

What are the potential side effects I might experience, and how long do they typically last?

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Why this works

Helps you understand common side effects and their duration, ensuring you're prepared for the recovery process and potential temporary issues.

8

What is your approach to managing dry eyes after surgery, and how common is this issue?

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Why this works

Addresses a common post-surgical issue and helps you understand how the surgeon manages and prevents dry eye complications.

9

What are the alternatives to Lasik, and why is Lasik the best option for me?

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Why this works

Explores other vision correction options and helps you understand why Lasik is recommended over alternatives for your specific situation.

10

What is the cost of the procedure, and what does it include?

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Why this works

Provides clear information about costs and what's included, helping you understand the financial aspects and plan accordingly.

11

What is your follow-up care protocol, and how often will I need to see you?

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Why this works

Explains the post-surgical care plan and helps you understand the ongoing support and monitoring you'll receive during recovery.

12

What are the restrictions and limitations I'll have after surgery, and for how long?

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Why this works

Helps you understand post-surgical limitations and plan for recovery, ensuring you know what activities to avoid and for how long.

13

What is your approach to managing complications if they occur?

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Why this works

Explains how complications are handled and ensures you understand the support available if issues arise during or after surgery.

14

What are the long-term outcomes and stability of Lasik results?

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Why this works

Provides information about long-term results and helps you understand the durability and stability of the procedure's effects.

15

What is your approach to managing patients with high prescriptions or special considerations?

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Why this works

Addresses specific concerns for patients with high prescriptions or special eye conditions, ensuring you receive appropriate care.

16

What are the potential risks of not having the surgery, and how do they compare to surgical risks?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the risks of continuing with your current vision problems and how they compare to surgical risks.

17

What is your approach to managing patients who are nervous or anxious about the procedure?

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Why this works

Addresses anxiety management and helps you understand how the surgeon supports patients who are nervous about the procedure.

18

What are the potential risks of having the surgery, and how do you minimize them?

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Why this works

Explains risk mitigation strategies and helps you understand how the surgeon works to minimize potential complications.

19

What is your approach to managing patients who have had previous eye surgery or complications?

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Why this works

Addresses special considerations for patients with previous eye surgery or complications, ensuring appropriate care for complex cases.

20

What are the potential risks of having the surgery, and how do you ensure patient safety?

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Why this works

Explains safety protocols and helps you understand how the surgeon ensures patient safety throughout the procedure and recovery.

How to Choose the Right Lasik Surgeon

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Ask About Experience and Credentials

Verify the surgeon's qualifications, experience, and success rates to ensure you're choosing a qualified and experienced professional.

Understand the Technology

Ask about the technology being used and ensure it's appropriate for your specific needs and the most advanced available.

Discuss Expectations and Risks

Have open conversations about realistic expectations, potential risks, and how complications are managed to make an informed decision.

Question Sequences

The Candidacy Assessment Sequence

1
What are my candidacy requirements for Lasik?
2
What are the specific risks for my case?
3
What are the alternatives to Lasik?

The Experience and Technology Sequence

1
What is your experience level with Lasik surgery?
2
What type of Lasik technology do you use?
3
What is your approach to managing complications?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Rush the Decision

Take time to research and ask questions rather than making a quick decision about this important procedure.

Don't Ignore Red Flags

Pay attention to how the surgeon answers questions and whether they seem qualified and experienced for your specific needs.

Don't Skip the Consultation

Ensure you have a thorough consultation and examination before making any decisions about the procedure.

Conversation Templates

The Candidacy Assessment Framework

1
Step 1: Start with: "What are my candidacy requirements for Lasik?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are the specific risks for my case?"
3
Step 3: Conclude with: "What are the alternatives to Lasik?"

The Experience and Technology Framework

1
Step 1: Begin with: "What is your experience level with Lasik surgery?"
2
Step 2: Explore with: "What type of Lasik technology do you use?"
3
Step 3: End with: "What is your approach to managing complications?"

Further Reading

"The Lasik Handbook" by Dr. Robert K. Maloney
"Lasik: A Guide to Laser Eye Surgery" by Dr. Andrew Caster
"The Complete Guide to Lasik" by Dr. William Trattler

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