When it comes to taking care of your vision, most people think about getting glasses or contacts. But there’s something even more important that should come first: a Comprehensive Eye Exam. This isn’t just about checking how well you see—it’s a detailed look at the overall health of your eyes and often, a glimpse into your general well-being. In fact, a comprehensive eye exam can catch early signs of vision loss, retina-related diseases, and even health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, or in rare cases, skin cancer.
If you’re considering LASIK or another vision correction procedure like PRK or Intacs, a Comprehensive Eye Exam performed by your local optometrist is the first and most critical step. At Inland Eye LASIK, we help guide patients through their laser vision journey once their optometrist determines they are a candidate for refractive surgery.
Why a Comprehensive Eye Exam Is the First Step
Thinking about LASIK? You’re not alone. Millions of people have turned to LASIK as a long-term solution for near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. But LASIK isn’t right for everyone—and determining your eligibility requires more than just wanting clearer vision.
A comprehensive eye exam evaluates:
- Your visual acuity and refractive error, to determine your current prescription
- The thickness and shape of your cornea, critical factors for LASIK or PRK candidacy
- Signs of dry eye or corneal disease, which could affect healing after surgery
- Your retinal health, to ensure there are no tears, detachment, or diabetic changes
- General eye health, including signs of infection, inflammation, or allergies
This exam is typically performed by an optometrist near you and ensures your eyes are healthy enough for vision correction procedures. If any concerns are discovered, they can be treated before moving forward.
What Conditions Can a Comprehensive Eye Exam Detect?
While many people seek an eye exam because they’re tired of wearing glasses, the benefits go far beyond vision correction. These exams can help detect:
- Refractive Errors: Such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
- Corneal Issues: Including keratoconus, dry eye disease, or thinning that may disqualify you from LASIK
- Retinal Concerns: Including early signs of diabetic retinopathy or retinal tears
- Systemic Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and even skin cancer around the eyelids can sometimes be spotted through the eyes
- Allergies and Environmental Irritations: These may not disqualify you from LASIK but could impact healing and comfort
By catching these conditions early, your optometrist can help preserve your vision and refer you to a trusted LASIK provider like Inland Eye LASIK when the time is right.
What If LASIK Isn’t the Right Option for You?
LASIK has helped millions of people achieve 20/20 vision or better, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like thin corneas, certain medical conditions, or age may make you better suited for alternative procedures.
At Inland Eye LASIK, we offer additional options tailored to your eye health:
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK reshapes the cornea just like LASIK but doesn’t involve creating a flap in the cornea. It’s often recommended for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, or those who are highly active (such as athletes or military personnel). Though the recovery is slightly longer than LASIK, the results are just as effective.
Intacs
Intacs are tiny, semi-circular implants placed in the cornea to help flatten it and improve vision. They are often used to treat keratoconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea that causes distorted vision. If your optometrist detects early signs of keratoconus, you may be a candidate for Intacs rather than laser surgery.
With multiple treatment options available, our team will work closely with you to find the best match for your vision goals and eye health.
Retina Conditions and LASIK Considerations
We’re highly attuned to the retina, the part of the eye responsible for receiving light and sending visual signals to the brain. Any abnormalities in the retina, such as tears, holes, or early diabetic damage, must be addressed before proceeding with LASIK or PRK.
That’s why a comprehensive eye exam that includes a dilated retinal evaluation is so crucial—it helps ensure that the delicate back of your eye is in perfect condition before considering refractive surgery. If your local optometrist detects anything unusual in the retina, they may refer you to a retina specialist for further evaluation before pursuing LASIK.
Taking the First Step
So, what should you do if you’re considering LASIK? Start by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your local optometrist. They’ll assess your vision, examine your eye health, and determine if you’re a potential candidate for refractive surgery. Once cleared, they’ll refer you to our experienced team at Inland Eye LASIK to explore your treatment options.
We also offer LASIK Self -Test, to determine whether they may be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. While it doesn’t replace a professional eye exam or consultation with an ophthalmologist, it can give you a general idea of whether LASIK might be suitable for your vision needs.
Conclusion
Your journey to clear, glasses-free vision begins with a comprehensive eye exam. Not only can it uncover whether LASIK is right for you, but it also helps detect hidden conditions that could affect your eye health or treatment options. Whether you’re a candidate for LASIK, PRK, or Intacs, Inland Eye LASIK is here to guide you every step of the way with personalized care and advanced vision correction technology.
Take the first step today—schedule your FREE LASIK consultation at Inland Eye LASIK by calling (909) 843-9857.
