Refractive surgery · The care pathway

Pre-operative assessment

The pre-operative assessment is the key step in any refractive surgery project. Painless throughout, it allows precise measurement of your eye, verification of your eligibility, and determination of the most appropriate technique if surgery is suitable. It is also the right moment to ask all your questions.

Eye measurements being taken on an imaging device during a pre-operative assessment

What is the pre-operative assessment for?

The pre-operative assessment has three objectives: to verify that you are eligible for refractive surgery, to take precise measurements of your eye in order to plan the procedure, and to inform you so that the decision can be made together. No operation is carried out without this prior assessment.

It is also the step that determines, where appropriate, the technique best suited to your eye: Lasik or PKR. Neither is "the best" in absolute terms: it is the assessment that guides the choice.

The pre-operative assessment is painless and commits you to nothing. Its purpose is to inform you and to verify what is safely possible for your eye.

Which examinations are carried out?

The assessment combines several painless, complementary examinations. This is where Dr Gattoussi's expertise in ocular imaging comes into its own, enabling a particularly precise evaluation of the cornea and the eye as a whole.

  • Corneal mapping (topography): shape and thickness, a determining factor in the choice of technique;
  • Measurement of the refractive error and visual acuity;
  • Measurement of the eye's dimensions;
  • Examination of the ocular surface and tear film (assessment for dry eye);
  • Full eye examination, including the retina.

How does the assessment work?

The assessment takes place at the practice and lasts as long as is needed to obtain reliable measurements. Some examinations may require pupil dilation.

  1. 1

    Welcome and history taking

    Your medical history, your current correction, and your expectations are reviewed.

  2. 2

    Measurements and imaging

    Corneal mapping, measurement of the refractive error and eye dimensions.

  3. 3

    Full eye examination

    Examination of the ocular surface, tear film, and retina, sometimes after dilation.

  4. 4

    Discussion and shared decision

    Dr Gattoussi explains what is possible for your eye. The decision is made together, with no obligation.

How to prepare?

Contact lens wear must generally be discontinued for a certain period before the assessment, as lenses alter the shape of the cornea and would distort the measurements. Precise instructions, including how far in advance to stop wearing lenses, will be communicated to you before your appointment.

  • stop wearing lenses for the specified period before the assessment;
  • plan not to drive if pupil dilation is performed;
  • bring your current correction (glasses) and any previous examinations.

After the assessment

At the end of the assessment, Dr Gattoussi will tell you whether a procedure is a possibility and, if so, which technique appears best suited to your eye. The decision is made together, with no obligation. If dilation has been performed, your vision may remain blurred and light-sensitive for a few hours: plan not to drive.

Frequently asked questions

Is the assessment painful?

No, the examinations are all painless. Some may be briefly dazzling, but there is no discomfort.

Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses beforehand?

Yes, contact lens wear must be discontinued for a certain period before the assessment, as lenses alter the shape of the cornea. You will be told how far in advance to stop.

How long does the assessment take?

The assessment lasts as long as is needed to obtain reliable measurements. The duration will be indicated when you book your appointment.

Does the assessment commit me to having surgery?

No. The assessment is there to inform you and to verify eligibility. The decision is made together, freely and with no obligation.

See also

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Consult Dr Gattoussi

Ophthalmology practice in Paris 11th. Online appointments via Doctolib, at any time. Sector 2 fees.