Questions to Ask Before LASIK
Choosing a New Jersey LASIK surgeon isn’t just another medical appointment. It’s a decision that directly affects how you see the world every day. Your vision impacts everything from driving and working to enjoying hobbies and spending time with family. That’s why a LASIK consultation should never feel rushed or one-sided.
A great consultation gives you clarity about your options, comfort with your surgeon, and confidence in your decision. Asking the right questions helps you understand whether LASIK is truly right for you, what results you can expect, and how your surgeon will support you before, during, and after the procedure.
This article is designed to help you walk into your LASIK consultation informed and prepared, so you can get real answers before you commit.
What Makes a Good LASIK Candidate?
Question #1: Am I a good candidate for LASIK? And why?
Not everyone who wants LASIK is automatically a good candidate, and an experienced surgeon should explain this clearly and honestly. Candidacy depends on several factors, including your age, the stability of your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
At CLEI, candidacy isn’t reduced to a yes-or-no checklist. Your surgeon should explain why you are or are not a good candidate, and what that means for your long-term visual outcomes. If LASIK isn’t the best option for you, a reputable surgeon will tell you and explain alternatives.
Surgeon Experience & Credentials
Question #2: Who will perform my surgery, and what are their qualifications?
This may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most important questions you can ask. Find out who will actually perform your LASIK procedure, not just who you meet during the consultation.
Your surgeon should be board-certified, fellowship-trained if applicable, and experienced specifically in refractive surgery. Ask about professional affiliations, years in practice, and ongoing training. LASIK technology evolves, and so should your surgeon’s expertise.
Here at CLEI, for example, Dr. Steven A. Greenstein is a board-certified ophthalmologist and nationally recognized LASIK surgeon. He serves as Medical Director and Director of Refractive Surgery at CLEI and was named a 2025 NJ Top Doctor. Harvard-trained and fellowship-educated in cornea and refractive surgery, Dr. Greenstein is also one of a select group of surgeons worldwide to earn advanced board certification as a Fellow in Refractive Surgery, reflecting both deep expertise and a long-standing commitment to surgical excellence. By choosing a reputable and experienced surgeon like Dr. Greenstein you can have peace of mind knowing that your vision is in more than capable hands.
Question #3: How many LASIK surgeries have you performed, especially cases like mine?
A surgeon who has performed thousands of procedures has experience, and they’ve likely encountered a wide range of eye anatomies and prescriptions. Another in-house example: Dr. Greenstein has personally performed more than 10,000 surgical procedures, including thousands of successful LASIK procedures.
Another point to keep in mind is that while experience matters, relevant experience matters even more. Ask whether they’ve treated patients with similar prescriptions, corneal characteristics, or lifestyle needs as yours. A confident surgeon should be comfortable discussing specifics, not just broad numbers.
LASIK Technology & Personalized Care
Question #4: What LASIK technology will you use and why?
There are different types of lasers and guidance systems used in LASIK, including topography-guided technology. These tools can improve precision and customization but technology alone doesn’t guarantee great results.
What’s far more important is how well your surgeon understands and applies the technology to your eyes. The best outcomes come from an experienced surgeon who knows how to interpret your diagnostic data and use the technology in the most effective way for you.
Question #5: Will you recommend LASIK or another option like PRK and why?
LASIK isn’t the best choice for every patient. Depending on your corneal thickness, shape, occupation, or lifestyle, a surgeon may recommend PRK or another refractive procedure instead.
This is a good sign. It shows your surgeon is focused on what’s safest and most effective for your eyes, not pushing a one-size-fits-all solution. Make sure you understand why a specific procedure is being recommended and how it aligns with your visual goals.
Realistic Expectations & Outcomes
Question #6: What outcomes can I realistically expect for my vision?
A responsible LASIK surgeon will set realistic expectations, not make guarantees. While many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, results can vary based on your prescription and eye anatomy.
Ask how your vision may look at different distances, whether you might still need glasses for certain tasks, and how age-related changes like presbyopia could affect you in the future.
Question #7: What is your success rate, complication rate, and enhancement policy?
Understanding how a practice defines “success” is key. Ask about outcomes, complication rates, and how often enhancements (touch-up procedures) are needed.
You should also understand the practice’s enhancement policy: what’s included, what’s not, and under what circumstances an enhancement would be recommended. Transparency here builds trust and peace of mind.
Procedure, Recovery & Daily Life
Question #8: What will the LASIK experience be like before, during, and after surgery?
Knowing what to expect can ease anxiety. Your surgeon should walk you through the entire process, from pre-operative preparation and the day of surgery to post-op care and follow-up visits.
LASIK itself is quick, but recovery is a process. Understanding what’s normal in the hours and days after surgery helps you feel prepared and confident.
Question #9: How soon can I resume daily activities like driving, work, sports?
Recovery timelines matter, especially if you have a busy schedule. Ask when you can safely drive, return to work, exercise, and participate in sports or other activities.
While many patients notice improved vision quickly, healing continues over time. Clear guidance helps you plan appropriately and avoid setbacks.
Costs, Value & Peace of Mind
Question #10: What is included in the cost? Exams, aftercare, enhancements, etc.?
LASIK pricing should be transparent. Ask exactly what’s included in the quoted cost and whether there are any potential additional fees. This is the perfect time to inquire about LASIK payment and financing options too.
At CLEI, LASIK is offered with an all-inclusive approach. Surgery is not done à la carte. Once you choose CLEI, the team partners with you throughout the entire process, from pre-op evaluations to post-op care, with the shared goal of achieving your best possible visual outcome.
Tips for Your New Jersey LASIK Consultation
- Bring a written list of your questions so nothing gets overlooked.
- Ask for visual aids, simulations, or diagrams if they help you understand your options.
- Confirm the follow-up schedule and how to reach the practice if you have concerns after hours.
- Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you don’t feel fully informed or comfortable.
Conclusion: Your Vision, Your Questions
Good questions lead to better decisions, especially when it comes to your vision. A LASIK consultation should feel collaborative, educational, and empowering.
By asking the right questions, you give yourself the tools to choose a surgeon and procedure with confidence. Consider saving or printing this list before your visit, and use it as a guide during your consultation.
Your vision is personal. Your questions should be too.
