What to Ask at a LASIK Consultation

The short answer: ask about candidacy, risk, cost, and what happens if things do not go perfectly

A good LASIK consultation should help you understand four things:

1. Am I even a candidate? Many people are not. Thin corneas, dry eye, unstable prescription, certain eye conditions, age-related lens changes, and other factors can rule LASIK out.
2. What are the real risks for my eyes? Every surgery has risks. With LASIK, that can include dry eye, glare, halos, night-vision problems, flap complications, under-correction, over-correction, infection, and in rare cases loss of vision.
3. What will it likely cost, and what is included? In the US, LASIK often costs about $2,000-$3,000 per eye. That is a typical range, not a quote. The real price depends on your eyes, the technology used, and where you live. Insurance rarely covers it.
4. What are my other options if LASIK is not a fit? Some people may be better suited for PRK, SMILE, ICL, lens surgery, or no surgery at all.

If a consultation feels rushed, vague, or overly sales-focused, that matters. You are allowed to compare more than one opinion before deciding. Sightlume is a free matching service, not a medical provider. We give general educational information and can help you get matched with licensed eye surgeons for consultations near you.

Questions to ask about whether LASIK fits your eyes

This is the most important part of the visit. Do not start by asking, "How soon can I do it?" Start by asking whether LASIK is a good idea for you.

Useful questions:

• Am I a LASIK candidate, and why or why not? Ask for a clear explanation in plain language.
• What did my exam show about my cornea, prescription stability, and eye surface?
• Do I have dry eye now? If yes, how could surgery affect it?
• Would PRK, SMILE, ICL, or waiting make more sense for my situation?
• Does my age matter? For some people, especially in their 40s and beyond, reading vision and natural lens changes become part of the conversation.
• What results are realistic for my prescription and eye shape? Results vary from person to person.

You can also ask the surgeon to explain why they recommend one procedure over another. If you hear only the benefits and not the tradeoffs, ask again.

For background before your visit, these pages may help: LASIK and candidacy and exam.

A careful surgeon should be comfortable saying, "You may not be a good candidate." That is not bad service. That is honesty.

Questions to ask about risks, side effects, and recovery

This is where many ads get too smooth. Your consultation should not.

Ask direct questions like these:

• What are the most common side effects after LASIK?
• How often do your patients report dry eye, glare, halos, or trouble at night?
• What complications are rare but serious?
• What would happen if my vision is under-corrected or over-corrected?
• How long does healing usually take in my case?
• When can I drive, work, exercise, swim, or wear eye makeup again?
• What symptoms would be normal after surgery, and what symptoms would be urgent?

Some people focus only on the best-case outcome. Try to understand the less-perfect but still realistic possibilities too. You may still need glasses for some tasks later. Some people need enhancements. Some people decide the risk of dry eye or night glare is not worth it for their lifestyle or job.

You can say: "I do not want the sales version. I want the honest version." A trustworthy surgeon should respect that.

If you want to read more before you go, see LASIK risks and side effects. Remember, this is general information, not medical advice. Only an in-person exam with a licensed eye surgeon can tell you what risks apply to your eyes.

Questions to ask about surgeon experience, process, and follow-up care

You are not just choosing a procedure. You are choosing the person and team who would evaluate, treat, and follow you after surgery.

Ask about the process step by step:

1. Who does what? Ask who performs the exam, who decides candidacy, who does the surgery, and who handles follow-up visits.
2. How much experience does the surgeon have with cases like mine? You do not need hype or exact promises. You do need clarity about experience with your level of prescription or eye features.
3. How much time will I have to ask questions before deciding? You should never feel pushed to sign the same day.
4. What follow-up care is included? Ask how many visits are typical and what happens if you heal more slowly than expected.
5. If there is a complication, who do I call after hours?
6. If an enhancement is discussed later, what would that involve and when would it be considered?

Also ask yourself a few quiet questions after the visit:

• Did they explain things clearly?
• Did they answer the hard questions without getting defensive?
• Did they discuss reasons not to have surgery?
• Did I feel respected, or handled?

If you are comparing consultations, this guide can help: how to choose an eye surgeon.

Questions to ask about price and what to do next

Cost matters. Ask about it plainly.

Questions worth asking:

• What is the full estimated price for both eyes?
• Is this estimate for LASIK only, or could the recommendation change after more testing?
• What does the price include? Ask about the surgery itself, pre-op testing, medicines, follow-up visits, and possible enhancement policies.
• Are there financing options, and what would the monthly cost depend on?
• If I decide not to do surgery, do I owe anything for the consultation?

Typical US price ranges are often around $2,000-$3,000 per eye for LASIK, $1,800-$2,800 for PRK, $2,200-$3,200 for SMILE, and $3,000-$5,000 for ICL. These are estimates, not quotes. Your actual cost depends on the procedure, your eyes, the technology, and your area. Surgery is rarely covered by insurance.

What to do next:

• Write your questions down before the visit.
• Bring your glasses and contact lens information if the office asks for it.
• Do not agree to surgery because a discount ends soon.
• Compare at least one more consultation if you are unsure.
• Remember that keeping glasses or contacts is a valid choice.

If you want help finding consultations with licensed ophthalmologists near you, Sightlume can help you get matched. Our service is free to you, and we only collect contact details like your name, phone, ZIP code, email, preferred language, and which procedure you are curious about. We do not collect your medical history or records.

Final reminder: this page is general educational information, not medical advice. Sightlume does not perform exams, diagnose eye conditions, or recommend surgery for you. Only a licensed eye surgeon, after an in-person exam, can say whether you are a candidate and what option may be appropriate.