Refractive corneal surgery - what to ask your doctor


Definition

Refractive eye surgery helps improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider.

Alternative Names

What to ask your doctor about refractive eye surgery; Nearsightedness surgery - what to ask your doctor; LASIK - what to ask your doctor; Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis - what to ask your doctor; Laser vision correction - what to ask your doctor; PRK - what to ask your doctor; SMILE - what to ask your doctor

Questions

Will this surgery help my type of vision problem?

How do I prepare for this surgery?

What happens during the surgery?

How do I take care of my eyes after surgery?

What will it be like right after surgery?

Do I need any follow-up appointments?

For what problems or symptoms should I call the provider?

References

American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Questions to ask when considering LASIK. www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik-questions-to-ask. Updated December 12, 2015. Accessed November 9, 2022.

Taneri S, Mimura T, Azar DT. Current concepts, classification, and history of refractive surgery. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 3.1.

Tham YC, Husain R, Teo KYC, et al. New digital models of care in ophthalmology, during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Br J Ophthalmol. 2022;106(4):452-457. PMID: 33753407 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33753407/.

Thulasi P, Hou JH, de la Cruz J. Preoperative evaluation for refractive surgery. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 3.2.

Turbert D. What is small incision lenticule extraction. American Academy of Ophthalmology website. www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-small-incision-lenticule-extraction. Updated May 16, 2022. Accessed November 9, 2022.


Review Date: 8/22/2022
Reviewed By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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