Refractive corneal surgery - what to ask your doctor

Will this surgery help my type of vision problem?

• Will I still need glasses or contact lenses after the surgery?
• Will it help with seeing things that are far away? With reading and seeing things close up?
• Can I have surgery on both eyes at the same time?
• How long will the results last?
• What are the risks of having the surgery?
• Will the surgery be done with the latest technology?

How do I prepare for this surgery?

• Do I need a physical exam by my regular health care provider before the surgery?
• Can I wear my contact lenses before the surgery?
• Can I use makeup?
• What if I am pregnant or nursing?
• Do I need to stop taking my medicines beforehand?

What happens during the surgery?

• Will I be asleep or awake?
• Will I feel any pain?
• How long will the surgery last?
• When will I be able to go home?
• Will I need someone to drive for me?

How do I take care of my eyes after surgery?

• What type of eye drops will I use?
• How long will I need to take them?
• Can I touch my eyes?
• When can I take a shower or bath? When can I swim?
• When will I be able to drive? Work? Exercise?
• Are there any activities or sports that I will not be able to do after my eyes are healed?
• Will the surgery cause cataracts?

What will it be like right after surgery?

• Will I be able to see?
• Will I have any pain?
• Are there any side effects I should expect to have?
• How soon will it be before my eyesight gets to its best level?
• If my vision is still blurry, will more surgery help?

Do I need any follow-up appointments?

For what problems or symptoms should I call the provider?

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

American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Questions to ask when considering LASIK. www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik-questions-to-ask. Updated April 29, 2023. Accessed August 22, 2024.

Asroui L, Chong JK, Randleman JB. Preoperative evaluation for refractive surgery. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.2.

Mercer RN, Waring GO, Rocha KM. Current concepts, classification, and history of refractive surgery. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.1.

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 17, 2023. Accessed August 22, 2024.

Updated 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.