[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-tests-are-done-before-laser-eye-surgery\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-tests-are-done-before-laser-eye-surgery\/","headline":"What tests are done before laser eye surgery?","name":"What tests are done before laser eye surgery?","description":"Thinking about laser eye surgery? Here\u2019s a breakdown of the key tests we do before treatment to make sure it\u2019s safe and tailored to your eyes.","datePublished":"2025-08-21","dateModified":"2025-08-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/What-Tests-Are-Done-Before-Laser-Eye-Surgery-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/What-Tests-Are-Done-Before-Laser-Eye-Surgery-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-tests-are-done-before-laser-eye-surgery\/","about":["Laser Eye Surgery"],"wordCount":661,"articleBody":"What tests are done before laser eye surgery?If you\u2019re thinking about laser eye surgery, you\u2019ve probably wondered: what actually happens at the first consultation? One of the most important steps before surgery is the detailed eye tests we carry out. These tests make sure your eyes are healthy, your prescription is stable, and that the procedure is safe and likely to give you the results you want.At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we never rush this stage. Careful testing is the key to success and it\u2019s also how we keep laser eye surgery as safe and predictable as possible.Let\u2019s walk through the tests you can expect before surgery.Why are pre-surgery tests so important?Laser eye surgery isn\u2019t right for everyone. That\u2019s why no reputable clinic will take shortcuts at this stage. The pre-op tests:Confirm whether you\u2019re suitableRule out eye conditions that could affect resultsAllow your surgeon to design a treatment tailored to your unique eyesGive you confidence that you\u2019re making an informed choice.By the end of your consultation, you should know if laser eye surgery is safe for you, and what results you can realistically expect.Common tests before laser eye surgery Vision and prescription check This is similar to a standard eye test but more detailed. We measure how well you see at different distances and confirm the exact prescription you currently wear in glasses or contact lenses. Corneal thickness measurement The cornea is the clear front surface of your eye, and it\u2019s the part reshaped during LASIK, LASEK, or TransPRK. We use a test called pachymetry to measure its thickness. If it\u2019s too thin, some procedures may not be suitable. Corneal mapping (topography) This creates a detailed map of the shape and curve of your cornea. It helps spot conditions like keratoconus (where the cornea becomes irregularly shaped), which would rule out laser eye surgery. Pupil size assessment We check your pupils in both light and dark conditions. This helps us plan your treatment and reduce the risk of glare or halos at night. Tear film evaluation Dry eye can affect healing after surgery. We measure the quality and quantity of your tears to see if you\u2019ll need treatment for dryness before or after surgery. Eye pressure measurement High eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma. We screen for this to make sure your eyes are healthy before going ahead. Retina and eye health check Your surgeon will examine the back of your eye to rule out problems like retinal tears, macular disease, or early signs of other conditions. Prescription stability check We\u2019ll ask about your prescription history. Your prescription should be stable for at least 12 months before surgery, otherwise results may not last.How long does the consultation take?A full consultation usually lasts between one and two hours. This gives time for all the tests, as well as a detailed conversation with your surgeon. You\u2019ll be able to ask questions, talk about your lifestyle needs, and go over the results together.What happens if I\u2019m not suitable?Not everyone is suitable for laser eye surgery. Some people may be better candidates for other vision correction options, such as lens replacement. At My Eye Clinic, we only recommend what\u2019s right for your eyes.If you\u2019re not suitable, you won\u2019t be pressured into going ahead, you\u2019ll simply leave with clear information about your options.Why this stage matters mostThe consultation isn\u2019t just about whether you can have laser eye surgery \u2014 it\u2019s about whether you should. By doing these tests, your surgeon ensures you get safe, personalised care and the best possible results.Next stepsCurious to find out if you might be suitable?Take our free self-test, it only takes a minute and gives you an instant idea of whether laser eye surgery could be right for you."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What tests are done before laser eye surgery?","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-tests-are-done-before-laser-eye-surgery\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]