At my LASIK screening, I was given eye drops to dialate my pupil. Almost immediately after being given the drops (30 secs?), my pupil size was measured by me looking through some kind of instrument (sorry, I don't know the name). Since this was done in a lighted room and without much time for the drops to work, I wonder if this is the accepted way to measure pupil size. Since this is such a critical factor in deciding whether to have LASIK done, any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

The procedure you described is not an appropriate method for measuring pupils. Please do some research on the proper methods and the importance thereof. If i had it to do again, I would go to at least three different opthamologists, including one who does no LASIK, to get evaluations. That will also help you develop a level of confidence and comfort, and provide a basis of comparison of the technical competence between clinics.

If I had gone to a clinic that was that sloppy when addressing such a critical measurement, I would eliminate that clinic from consideration.

Perhaps one of the good doctors here can recommend a competent surgeon in your area.

What is important is to measure your pupil when it is in it's largest natural size. This means in very dim lighting. This can be done various ways but the lights need to be off. Also, they need to be measured before the dilating drops are put in since this obviously may change the results.

Steven Corwin, MD
EmoryVision
Atlanta, GA