Pre-Op Evaluations: What Your Eye Doctor Checks Before Surgery

Before eye surgery, we want a clear picture of your vision, eye health, and day-to-day needs. A pre-op evaluation helps us confirm that surgery is appropriate, identify anything that could affect healing or results, and gather the measurements your surgeon may need for planning. For procedures such as cataract surgery, these measurements can help determine the right lens power and surgical approach.

We Start With Your Vision And Health History

One of the first things we review is your medical and eye history. We ask about past eye conditions, medications, dry eye symptoms, contact lens wear, and any previous procedures. This gives us important context before surgery and helps us spot issues that may need attention first, such as unstable vision or ocular surface irritation. Preoperative eye evaluations also commonly include a review of systemic medications and overall eye health.

Measuring The Eye Carefully

Pre-op testing often includes detailed measurements of the size and shape of the eye. These measurements are especially important before cataract surgery because they help guide lens selection. Depending on the procedure, we may also evaluate the cornea, prescription stability, and other key data points that support surgical planning.

Checking The Surface Of The Eye

A healthy tear film and ocular surface can make a real difference in both comfort and surgical accuracy. If the front surface of the eye is irritated or dry, it can affect measurements and recovery. That is why we look closely for signs of dryness, inflammation, or meibomian gland dysfunction as part of the pre-op process. Evaluation of the tear film and ocular surface is part of refractive surgery preoperative guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Looking For Other Eye Conditions

We also examine the inside of the eye to check for concerns that could influence surgery or visual outcomes. That may include a dilated exam to assess the retina and optic nerve, along with pressure testing when needed. Identifying conditions such as glaucoma, retinal disease, or other underlying problems helps make sure the next step is the right one.

What We May Review Before Surgery

During a pre-op evaluation, we may discuss:

Your current prescription and visual goals
Corneal and eye measurements
Dry eye or contact lens-related issues
General eye health findings
Medications or health conditions that could affect surgery
What to expect before and after the procedure

Personalized Planning Comes Next

Once testing is complete, we review the findings and help coordinate the next steps. In Spokane, a thorough pre-op evaluation allows us to give patients clear guidance, answer questions early, and support better surgical planning. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, prepared, and confident before moving forward.

To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Northside Vision in Spokane, WA by calling (509) 519-4400. Practice details confirmed from Northside Vision’s website.