1. Am I Actually a Good Candidate for LASIK?

This should be the first question at any LASIK consultation.

Not everyone who wants LASIK is a suitable candidate, and a responsible surgeon should be willing to explain why a procedure is—or isn't—appropriate for your eyes.

Your evaluation should consider several factors, including:

• Your age and prescription stability
• Corneal thickness and shape
• Overall eye health
• Dry eye symptoms
• Your refractive error, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
• Medical conditions or medications that could affect healing
• Your lifestyle and visual expectations

A comprehensive evaluation may include corneal mapping, measurements of your prescription, and testing for conditions that could affect surgical outcomes.

What to listen for: A personalized explanation of your candidacy rather than a simple yes-or-no answer.

If you're not an ideal LASIK candidate, ask whether another procedure might be more appropriate.

2. How Much Experience Does My LASIK Surgeon Have?

When evaluating a LASIK surgeon, experience is an important consideration.

Ask how long the surgeon has performed refractive surgery, approximately how many procedures they have completed, and how frequently they perform LASIK today.

You should also ask whether the surgeon has experience treating prescriptions or eye characteristics similar to yours.

Dr. Andrew Holzman has more than three decades of experience in vision correction and has helped establish Holzman Laser Vision as a recognized refractive surgery practice in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

However, procedure volume alone doesn't tell the whole story. A surgeon's approach to screening, technology, treatment planning, and postoperative care also matters.

What to listen for: Specific experience, thoughtful explanations, and a willingness to discuss the surgeon's approach to patient safety.

3. What LASIK Technology Will You Use on My Eyes?

Not all LASIK treatments are planned or performed using identical technology.

Different laser systems use different diagnostic measurements, treatment-planning approaches, and methods of customizing vision correction.

Ask your surgeon:

• Is the procedure bladeless?
• How is my treatment customized?
• What measurements are used to plan the laser correction?
• How does the system account for eye movement?
• Why is this technology appropriate for my prescription?

Holzman Laser Vision was the first practice in the DMV region to introduce WaveLight® Plus, a personalized LASIK technology that uses advanced eye measurements and ray-tracing-based treatment planning.

WaveLight Plus is designed to account for the individual optical characteristics of the eye rather than relying solely on a standard glasses prescription.

For patients considering LASIK in Northern Virginia, understanding the technology available at their chosen practice can help them ask more meaningful questions about treatment planning.

What to listen for: An explanation of why the technology is appropriate for your particular eyes—not simply a claim that one laser is the newest or best.

4. What Are the Risks and Possible Side Effects of LASIK?

LASIK has a well-established clinical history, but like any surgical procedure, it involves risks.

An informed patient should understand both the potential benefits and possible complications before proceeding.

Important topics include:

• Temporary or persistent dry eye symptoms
• Glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision
• Undercorrection or overcorrection
• Flap-related complications
• Infection or inflammation
• Rare complications affecting visual quality or corneal stability

Ask whether any characteristics of your eyes increase your individual risk.

For example, patients with preexisting dry eye symptoms or certain corneal abnormalities may require additional evaluation or may be better suited to another procedure.

What to listen for: A balanced discussion of realistic risks, how those risks are assessed, and what the practice does to reduce them.

A surgeon who explains potential complications clearly is helping you make an informed decision.

5. What Results Can I Realistically Expect?

It's natural to hope for perfect vision after LASIK.

However, no responsible surgeon should guarantee a particular visual outcome.

Ask what results are realistic based on your prescription, corneal measurements, age, and overall eye health.

You may also want to ask:

• What level of uncorrected vision might I reasonably achieve?
• Could I still need glasses for certain activities?
• How might my night vision be affected?
• Will LASIK prevent the need for reading glasses later in life?
• How likely is it that I might need additional treatment?

One important distinction is that LASIK corrects existing refractive errors but does not stop normal age-related changes in the eye.

For example, presbyopia—the gradual loss of near focusing ability—commonly develops beginning in the 40s, even in people who previously had successful LASIK.

What to listen for: Individualized expectations rather than promises of perfect vision for life.

6. What Happens If I'm Not a Candidate for LASIK?

Being told you're not a LASIK candidate doesn't necessarily mean you must continue wearing glasses or contact lenses indefinitely.

Depending on your prescription, corneal characteristics, age, and overall eye health, other procedures may be available.

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) corrects vision by reshaping the cornea without creating a LASIK flap. It may be suitable for some patients whose corneal thickness or lifestyle makes LASIK less appropriate.

EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) corrects certain refractive errors using a lens implanted inside the eye rather than removing corneal tissue for the refractive correction.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens. It may be considered for certain patients, particularly those experiencing age-related changes in near vision.

Each procedure has different candidacy requirements, benefits, recovery expectations, and risks.

The right question isn't necessarily, "How can I qualify for LASIK?"

It's "Which vision correction procedure offers the most appropriate balance of safety and visual results for my eyes?"

7. What Should I Expect During Recovery?

LASIK is often associated with relatively rapid visual recovery, but patients should still understand the healing process.

Ask your surgeon what to expect during the first 24 hours, the first week, and the following months.

Important questions include:

• When can I return to work?
• How soon can I drive?
• When can I exercise?
• How long should I avoid swimming or rubbing my eyes?
• What symptoms are normal during healing?
• When should I contact the office about a problem?

Many LASIK patients experience improved vision within the first day or two, although fluctuations, dryness, and other symptoms can continue as the eyes heal.

Your surgeon should provide individualized postoperative instructions, including any necessary medications and follow-up appointments.

What to listen for: Clear recovery guidance and an explanation of how the practice supports patients after surgery.

8. What Is Included in the Cost of LASIK?

Price is an important consideration, but patients should understand exactly what they're paying for.

LASIK pricing can vary depending on the technology, surgeon, geographic market, and services included.

Rather than comparing advertised prices alone, ask for a complete explanation of the treatment package.

Questions worth asking include:

• Is the quoted price per eye or for both eyes?
• Are preoperative examinations included?
• Are postoperative appointments included?
• Are medications included?
• What happens if an enhancement is needed?
• Are financing options available?

You can also ask about using Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for eligible LASIK expenses.

What to listen for: Transparent pricing, written explanations of included services, and clear financing terms.

A consultation should help you understand the full financial commitment before you make a decision.

9. Who Will Perform My Surgery and Manage My Follow-Up Care?

Patients sometimes assume the doctor they meet during their consultation will perform every aspect of their care.

That isn't necessarily how every refractive surgery practice operates.

Ask who will perform your LASIK procedure, who will conduct postoperative examinations, and whom you should contact if questions or complications arise.

You should also understand whether your care involves optometrists, ophthalmologists, or other clinical team members.

Coordinated care can be effective, but patients should know who is responsible for each stage.

What to listen for: Clear accountability, accessible postoperative support, and a defined follow-up schedule.

Your relationship with the practice shouldn't end when the laser treatment is complete.

10. If These Were Your Eyes, Would You Recommend LASIK?

This final question can encourage one of the most valuable conversations of the entire consultation.

It's an opportunity to ask your surgeon to explain the reasoning behind their recommendation in practical terms.

A thoughtful answer should consider your eye health, prescription, visual goals, risk factors, and available alternatives.

For example, someone with healthy corneas, stable vision, and a moderate prescription may be an excellent LASIK candidate.

Someone with thin corneas, significant dry eye, or other risk factors may benefit from a different approach—or from postponing surgery.

The purpose of this question isn't to ask for a guarantee. It's to understand whether your surgeon believes the expected benefits justify the risks in your particular situation.

What to listen for: A clear, individualized recommendation that prioritizes your long-term eye health.

Your LASIK Consultation Checklist

Before your appointment, take a few minutes to prepare.

• Write down your questions and vision goals.
• Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription, if available.
• Make a list of medications and relevant medical conditions.
• Tell the team about dry eye symptoms or previous eye problems.
• Ask whether you need to stop wearing contact lenses before your examination.
• Consider how your work, hobbies, and lifestyle affect your visual needs.
• Be prepared to discuss costs, financing, and postoperative care.

You may also want to bring someone with you to help remember the information discussed.

A good LASIK consultation should leave you feeling informed—not pressured to make an immediate decision.

Why Choosing the Right LASIK Surgeon Matters

The technology used during LASIK is important, but it is only one part of successful vision correction.

Careful patient selection, accurate measurements, surgical planning, and appropriate follow-up all contribute to the overall experience.

At Holzman Laser Vision, Dr. Andrew Holzman's extensive refractive surgery experience and the practice's investment in advanced technology provide a foundation for evaluating patients with different prescriptions and visual needs.

For prospective patients in McLean, Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, the goal of a consultation should be to understand the available options and determine which treatment, if any, is appropriate.

The best LASIK decision is an informed one.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Consultations

How long does a LASIK consultation take?

A comprehensive LASIK consultation typically takes longer than a routine vision examination because it involves additional measurements, diagnostic testing, and a discussion of candidacy. Ask the practice how much time to reserve for your appointment.

Should I stop wearing contact lenses before my LASIK consultation?

You may need to stop wearing contact lenses before your evaluation because they can temporarily affect corneal measurements. The required period varies by lens type and individual circumstances. Follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon's office.

Will my eyes be dilated during the consultation?

Many comprehensive refractive surgery evaluations include pupil dilation. Because dilation can temporarily affect vision and light sensitivity, ask the office whether you should arrange transportation.

Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?

Many patients with astigmatism are candidates for LASIK. Eligibility depends on the degree and type of astigmatism, corneal health, prescription stability, and other factors identified during testing.

Do I have to schedule surgery during my consultation?

No. A consultation should provide the information you need to make an informed decision. You can take time to review your options and ask additional questions before scheduling treatment.

Is a LASIK consultation worth it if I'm unsure about surgery?

Yes. A consultation can help determine whether you're a candidate, explain potential alternatives, and clarify the risks, expected benefits, and costs. It doesn't obligate you to proceed with surgery.