What Should I Ask My Surgeon Before LASIK Surgery?

If I Were the Patient, This Would Be My Key Question

If I were considering LASIK surgery in Monterrey, PRK, or any other eye procedure, the first question I would ask would be:

“Doctor, based on my evaluation, what are the realistic expectations I should have from this surgery?”

That single question changes the entire conversation.

Because very often, patient expectations do not match medical reality.

Why Is It So Important to Discuss Realistic Expectations Before LASIK?

LASIK surgery is a safe and highly effective procedure when the patient is a good candidate.
But it is not magic — and it is not the same for everyone.

A proper preoperative evaluation determines:

• How much your prescription can realistically be reduced

• Whether you are likely to stop wearing glasses completely

• What your recovery will look like

• What temporary side effects may occur

Discussing realistic expectations prevents disappointment and significantly improves patient satisfaction.

Does Everyone Get the Same Results From LASIK?

No.

Every eye is different.
Every cornea has a unique thickness and shape.
Every patient has specific visual needs.

A patient with stable nearsightedness may be an excellent LASIK candidate.
Another patient with thin corneas or chronic dry eye may benefit more from PRK.

This is why a personalized preoperative evaluation is more important than the procedure itself.

What Does a Complete LASIK Evaluation in Monterrey Include?

When I perform a LASIK consultation in Monterrey, I evaluate:

• Corneal topography

• Pachymetry (corneal thickness)

• Stability of prescription

• Signs of dry eye

• Lifestyle factors (screen use, sports, night driving)

With this information, I can determine not only which procedure is appropriate, but what results are realistically achievable.

Why Do Patients Idealize LASIK Surgery?

It is common to hear statements like:

• “I will see perfectly.”

• “I will never need glasses again.”

• “My friend had LASIK and it worked great — mine will be the same.”

The truth is that every patient responds differently.

Success is not just about seeing better.
Success means that the outcome matches what was clearly explained from the beginning.

Does Lifestyle Influence LASIK Results?

Absolutely.

An athlete may require different considerations.
A patient who works long hours in front of screens may need dry eye management before surgery.
Someone who frequently drives at night must understand the possibility of temporary halos during recovery.

Eye surgery is not just about the eyes.
It is about how you use your vision every day.

The Real Key to Success in LASIK Surgery

After years as an ophthalmologist in Monterrey, I have learned something important:

Patient satisfaction depends more on realistic expectations than on technology.

When patients understand:

• What can be achieved

• What cannot be guaranteed

• What natural age-related changes may occur

The outcome feels like a success.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Expectations

• Does LASIK guarantee I will never wear glasses again?

  Not necessarily. It can significantly reduce your prescription, but natural age-related changes like presbyopia may still occur.

• Is it normal to see halos or glare after LASIK?

  Yes. Temporary halos or glare, especially at night, can occur during the healing process.

• How do I know if I am a good LASIK candidate in Monterrey?

  Only a complete preoperative evaluation performed by an ophthalmologist can determine that.

• What is more important: the surgery or the evaluation?

  The evaluation. Without the correct diagnosis, there cannot be an optimal result.

Final Reflection

If I were the patient, I would not first ask how long the surgery takes.
I would ask:

“Doctor, in my specific case, what can I realistically expect?”

LASIK surgery can be life-changing.
But only when it is guided by a proper evaluation, honest communication, and realistic expectations.

Dr. Enrique Barragán Garza
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist – LASIK Surgery in Monterrey
🌐 https://lasikmonterrey.com