What to Expect When you Arrive for a Refractive Evaluation

We find that patients considering LASIK are often a little nervous--understanding what to expect in a refractive evaluation can help ease your mind.  Plus, it allows you to plan your visit more accurately and understand the tests you'll undergo--and why.  If your goal is to ultimately undergo laser vision correction, you'll need a full
refractive evaluation before your procedure.  However, Dr. Boomer can give you a preliminary determination of candidacy for laser vision correction from the results of a short evaluation (before stopping contact lens wear). The table below outlines the time required and the tests performed at a short and full evaluation. At both types of evaluation, Dr. Boomer will educate you about the benefits, risks and alternatives of refractive surgery and give plenty of time for answering your questions. 

SHORT EVALUATION	FULL EVALUATION
Requires 30-60 minutes	Requires 1.5 - 2 hours
Does not require eye dilation.	Requires eyes to be dialated.
Does not require you to be out of your contact lenses.	Requires you be out of your contact lenses for 2-4 weeks, depending upon the type of lenses, to allow contact lens induced eye changes to resolve.
Tests Completed:	Tests Completed:
Orbscan:  measures corneal dimensions	Orbscan:  measures corneal dimensions
Atlas:  measures  corneal dimensions	Atlas:  measures corneal dimensions
Refraction (Prescription) Check:  undilated; compare to current and past prescriptions	VisX Advanced CustomVue Wavescan:  maps the refractive/prescription errors in your vision
Shirmer's Test:  evaluation for dry eye	Refraction (Prescription) Check:  undilated and dilated; compare to current and past prescriptions
Eye Examination:  without pupil dilation	Shirmer's Test:  evaluation for dry eye
	Complete Eye Examination:  with pupil dilation
	Viewing of IntraLase and VISX Advanced CustomVue educational videos

When you call to make your free evaluation, we can answer any questions you may have regarding what you should expect in the course of your examination.   Schedule an appointment online or call us at 913-338-4733 or toll-free at 1-800-752-3937.