Pre-operative Assessment (Who Is a Candidate)

The biggest misconception about vision correction is that it is dangerous. The truth is that it is a very simple procedure — provided it is done for the right candidate after complete testing. In the assessment session we image the whole cornea, measure its thickness and regularity, check for dry eye and pupil size in the dark, and measure the prescription after dilating the pupil to confirm its accuracy. That hour is what decides: laser, lens implant, or no surgery at all.

Signs & who it is for

• Corneal topography (Pentacam or equivalent) to exclude keratoconus
• Corneal thickness to determine the safe technique
• Dry-eye and ocular-surface assessment
• Pupil size in dim light
• Dilated refraction and retinal examination

When is it recommended?

Before any decision on vision correction, and for anyone who has noticed their prescription changing repeatedly. Stop wearing soft contact lenses at least a week before the assessment (rigid lenses for longer) so that the cornea returns to its natural shape and the measurements are accurate.

Options & techniques

• Good candidate for Femto-LASIK or SMILE: healthy thick cornea and a moderate, stable prescription
• Candidate for PRK/Trans-PRK: thinner cornea or a lifestyle with eye-injury risk
• Candidate for ICL: high prescription or thin cornea
• Not a candidate now: unstable prescription, pregnancy or breastfeeding, active inflammation
• Not a laser candidate: keratoconus or severe thinning — alternatives exist

Frequently asked questions