Are you considering laser eye surgery? You may need to undergo several tests before your procedure. These tests will help determine if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery and can help identify any potential risks.

Make sure you discuss these tests with your surgeon prior to your procedure.

1. Corneal mapping (topography and tomography)

Two key tests that can help your eye doctor determine if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery are corneal topography and tomography.

Corneal topography is an imaging method that creates a detailed map of the surface curvature of your cornea. This can help your doctor determine any irregularities in your cornea and detect any abnormal tissue growth around the cornea, such as pterygium or pinguecula.

Corneal tomography uses similar technology to create a three-dimensional image of the front of your eye. This can help your doctor determine if there’s any damage to the back surface of your cornea and detect cataracts, glaucoma or other conditions affecting the inside of your eye.

2. Corneal thickness test

If you are going to have LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) surgery, your specialist will also need to check the thickness of your cornea. This is because, during laser eye surgery, they will need to create a corneal flap. It’s essential that your cornea is thick enough to heal well after surgery.

3. Glaucoma test

Glaucoma is a progressive disease that damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss and blindness. Before getting laser eye surgery, it’s important to make sure you don’t have glaucoma.

Glaucoma is caused by an increase in eye pressure, so your ophthalmologist will use a tool known as a tonometer to check your eye pressure. They may also use a device that blows a puff of air at your eye

4. Pupil measurement

Your eye care specialist may also measure the size of your pupil in low lighting to check the quality of your nighttime vision after you have laser eye surgery.

5. Dry eye test

Are you prone to dry eyes? If so, there’s a chance it could delay your recovery following laser eye surgery. By carrying out a dry eye exam before your surgery, your ophthalmologist can check for any issues. They will likely recommend finding treatment for your dry eyes before going ahead with surgery – this could involve eye drops, ointments, or medications.

The Schirmer test or tear analysis is the most common dry eye test. Your specialist will carry this out by holding a small piece of paper on your lower eyelid and measuring how much moisture it collects within an allocated time.

Find the best laser eye surgery deals with SpotDif

Whether you’re fed up with wearing glasses or find contact lenses uncomfortable, laser eye surgery can be a transformative procedure. It’s important to discuss any surgery with a qualified professional and these tests can help make sure you’re a suitable candidate.

If you’re looking for laser eye surgery at a great price, browse the best deals on SpotDif. We compare prices from eye care clinics across the country. Start your search today!