Bottom line: A LASIK consultation is not just an eye exam — it is a comprehensive engineering assessment of your cornea. Understanding what each test measures helps you ask better questions and evaluate whether a clinic is being thorough. In Colombia, the full consultation is typically included in your procedure package.
The Tests, Explained
| Test | What It Measures | Why It Matters | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal topography | Surface shape and curvature of your cornea | Identifies irregularities, astigmatism patterns, and early keratoconus | 2–3 minutes |
| Pachymetry | Corneal thickness at multiple points | Determines if there is enough tissue for safe LASIK reshaping | 1–2 minutes |
| Wavefront analysis | How light passes through your entire optical system | Maps higher-order aberrations beyond basic prescription | 2–3 minutes |
| Pupillometry | Pupil size in low light | Large pupils may increase risk of night vision issues | 1 minute |
| Tear film assessment | Tear quality, quantity, and breakup time | Identifies pre-existing dry eye that could worsen post-LASIK | 3–5 minutes |
| Manifest refraction | Your standard glasses prescription | The baseline correction your procedure will target | 5–10 minutes |
| Cycloplegic refraction | True prescription with focusing muscles paralyzed | Reveals hidden farsightedness that natural focusing masks | 10–15 min (includes dilation) |
| Slit-lamp exam | Detailed microscopic examination of eye structures | Checks for cataracts, corneal scars, and other pathology | 3–5 minutes |
| Retinal exam | Health of the back of your eye | Rules out retinal tears, macular issues, and other problems | 3–5 minutes |
⚠️ Contact Lens Holiday
You must stop wearing contact lenses before your consultation — soft lenses for at least 5–7 days, rigid/gas-permeable lenses for 2–4 weeks. Contacts temporarily reshape your cornea, and accurate measurements require your cornea to return to its natural shape. If you arrive wearing contacts, your measurements will be unreliable and your surgeon will reschedule.
What Good Results Look Like
A strong LASIK candidate typically has corneal thickness above 500 micrometers (with at least 250 micrometers remaining after correction), a stable prescription for at least one year, regular corneal topography with no signs of keratoconus, adequate tear film quality, and pupil size appropriate for the treatment zone.
If any test falls outside ideal parameters, your surgeon will discuss alternatives — PRK for borderline corneal thickness, ICL for high prescriptions, or recommending against refractive surgery entirely if the risks outweigh the benefits.
💡 Bring Your Records
If you have had a recent eye exam at home, bring the results to your Colombian consultation. Prior prescription history helps your surgeon verify stability, and existing test results save time. Most clinics accept records via email before your arrival.
Know Before You Go
Get a free preliminary evaluation based on your current prescription. We will tell you which procedures you are likely a candidate for.
Get Free QuoteRead more: LASIK Technology Explained | Not a Candidate? Your Alternatives