When it comes to achieving your vision correction goals, choosing a qualified, selective LASIK surgeon plays a vital role in the success of your procedure. Vision correction procedures like LASIK and PRK are some of the most popular elective surgeries performed in the country and come with a high satisfaction rate among patients. The gains are grand with the opportunity to ditch glasses and contacts and the inconveniences associated with them. In addition, the risks are relatively low. For some, the time spent researching a LASIK surgeon is minimal. For others, their research is deep and defined. It may appear that all LASIK surgeons are created equal. However, there is more to choosing the right LASIK surgeon than meets the eye (wink, wink). Using credible resources is how your homework will provide you with the best results. Make sure your LASIK surgeon hasn’t faced any type of disciplinary actions by checking the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies to view their profile in detail.
Check credentials. Look for an ophthalmologist who is a board-certified corneal specialist. An ophthalmologist is a trained medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care who is licensed to perform eye surgery. Laser vision correction is eye surgery that permanently reshapes the cornea, the clear front of the eye, to improve vision and reduce the dependency on glasses and contacts. More importantly, a corneal specialist has had intensive training in that part of the eye with a wealth of experience performing corneal surgeries. For a surgeon who is a corneal specialist, LASIK and PRK is the easiest thing they do. The benefits of choosing a board-certified corneal specialist include receiving a thorough pre-operative corneal evaluation, a masterful corneal surgery, and specialized post-operative care.
Second, make sure staff is professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. Your very first phone call to a LASIK center should leave you with good impression about their staff. Ask a lot of questions before scheduling your consultation. Staff should be comfortable and confident answering questions over the phone about cost, technology, and surgeon experience. It’s appropriate to ask if your laser eye surgery will be performed at their own on-site surgical center. LASIK surgeons that perform enough procedures to support their own surgery center will often own their laser technology and will come with considerable experience. **Adversely would be sharing a laser or traveling to an off-site surgery center.
Third, be leery of a practice that over-promises with deep discounts, money back guarantees, or warranties. While LASIK is life changing, there are limitations to what it can achieve. The goal is to provide better vision, but not always perfect vision. These limitations should be discussed in a clear, thorough, and personalized matter. LASIK and PRK is not fit for everyone. You want to make sure you are choosing a LASIK surgeon who is selective. On average, your LASIK surgeon should be screening out 15-25 percent of patients seeking laser vision correction. You should be educated on the risks and benefits in order to make an informed decision and feel confident that they have your best interest in mind.
Lastly, seek professional advice from your physician, or eye care provider. Ask family, friends, and social media groups for their recommendations based on their personal experiences. Medical organizations like American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery are good resources. Selective patients choosing a selective LASIK surgeon will lead to the best outcome.