Lasik is almost always an elective surgical procedure with no pressing medical need to have it done. It also means that you can choose where and when to go for it. The alternatives of wearing spectacles or contact lenses should always be considered first before surgery.

You will need to sign an informed consent form. This means that you understand the nature, benefits and risks of undergoing the procedure. Lasik surgery cannot be reversed and there is no guarantee of achieving perfect vision. People who are very fussy about their vision or who have great difficulty finding a suitable prescription for their glasses are advised against going for Lasik. Note that in some cases, your eye surgeon may advise on deliberate under-correction of one eye for mono-vision correction (see Q. 34 What is mono-vision correction?). You should also be aware that additional "enhancement" surgery may be needed to get the best possible vision after Lasik.

Those with high myopia should be aware that the complication rate is higher. Lasik does not interfere with the normal aging eye disorders such as presbyopia and cataract. In fact, those over the age of 35 years often find that while Lasik surgery has been successful in restoring clear distance vision, it may unmask the need to wear reading glasses.

The decision to go for Lasik surgery is a very personal one. Think carefully through all factors influencing your decision. Consider your lifestyle, vision needs, satisfaction or dis-satisfaction with spectacles and contact lens wear in making your decision. Anyone contemplating Lasik surgery must weigh the benefits against their own risk tolerance for potential complications. Understand your expectations from the surgery. Are they realistic?

The following are reasons often given by patients for deciding on surgery:
- To achieve freedom from glasses and contact lenses; that is to be able to wake up and see the alarm clock, put on make-up, shave, etc, without having to reach for the glasses. Also, no more foggy or lost glasses. No more sore and red eyes from wearing contact lenses. - To save time and money - it is estimated that a typical contact lens wearer would spend 20 minutes a day wearing, removing, cleaning and maintaining them. This translates to 7,300 minutes per year in contact lens care alone, not including time spent on fittings, buying replacement lenses and check-ups. - Occupational reasons - spectacles and contact lens wear may not be appropriate or allowed in certain jobs. - To be able to enjoy many sports such as swimming, scuba diving, skiing, football, etc, better without the hassle and inconvenience of wearing glasses and contacts. - To feel more confident and increase self-esteem. This is especially relevant for those with high myopia who may often feel "visually handicapped". - To alleviate spectacles wear intolerance. - Unable to wear contacts due to contact lens wear intolerance or medical complications such as allergic conjunctivitis, GPC, corneal ulcers, cornea inflammation and dry eyes. - For personal security reasons - to be able to see clearly during emergencies such as fire, floods, accidents or while travelling.

Lasik is almost always an elective procedure in that there is no medical necessity to have the procedure done. Thus it is perfectly fine not to go for Lasik surgery, especially if you are presently happy or satisfied with your spectacles or contact lens wear. You should never feel pressured to go for the procedure. Those who perform fine detailed work such as artists, architects, draftsman and surgeons must especially weigh the benefits they hope to achieve against the risks of incurring complications such as the loss of best corrected visual acuity. Those who suffer from high myopia should also be similarly cautioned.