Lasik corrective surgery is among the most extraordinary innovations, a transformative solution that restores virtually perfect vision for millions of people who can then either reduce or eliminate their reliance on assistive eyewear.
The successful outcome and safety of the surgery vastly depend on the surgeon’s skill and expertise. Ensuring the professional has a proven track record of Lasik successes and positive patient experiences confirmed in testimonials and references is essential.
It’s wise to speak with a few clinics before comparing the experience in situations comparable to yours and with Lasik, their preferred techniques, preferred technology, and competitive rates, plus find a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with.
Let’s review key factors to consider when researching for the surgeon to perform your Lasik corrective surgery.
Clients interested in pursuing Lasik eye surgery near me must do due diligence in research for a reputable and credentialed surgeon and staff to ensure a positive and successful surgical experience.
With the many advancements made in Lasik in the last several years, surgeons have refined techniques that bring the most effective results and ensure quick recovery times.
Finding the best with so many available can prove daunting, but key tips can simplify the process. Consider these factors as you search.
Years in the industry
The primary factor to consider when comparing surgeons and their care staff is their credentials and experience with Lasik, more so with your circumstances. Board-certified surgeons are a must, and they should also be Lasik-certified. You can confirm these credentials and licensing easily online.
The surgical team should have performed thousands of procedures and routinely have these and other variations of Lasik such as PRK, Lasek, CK, and on as part of their daily. This shows that they can be customized to an individual’s needs.
When consulting with the surgeon, the team should also introduce themselves since you’ll often interact with this staff more than the primary surgeon. It’s essential to establish trust and feel comfortable with everyone.
Questions and concerns should be addressed openly with a desire to educate and inform for the best decision-making as the goal. Visit How to Find the Ideal LASIK Surgeons (allaboutvision.com) for tips on choosing the best surgeon for your Lasik.
The expectations
A priority with any surgery is that clients maintain realistic expectations; if those are exceeded, it’s a win. Surgical practices closely monitor client Lasik’s results, whether these are 20/20, exceed that, or hit 20/25.
Patients understand that perfect vision is not guaranteed, and, in some situations, assistive eyewear may be required on an as-needed basis.
The surgeon will pull results of patients that match your prescription and condition to give you an idea of what you can expect. Each person is different, but the variables are similar, allowing simplified decision-making when comparing a few surgeons and vetting facilities.
The candidacy
Standard Lasik eye surgery is not suited for everyone, but that doesn’t rule out other vision correction surgeries. The doctor will assess eye health, vision, and other risk factors to determine whether you qualify.
It’s vital to have an open and transparent line of communication with the surgeon to discern what, if any, risks are associated with the other procedures and which options are most viable. An esteemed surgeon will help outline prospects and what could be the long-term benefit for your vision with each approach.
You can also approach your primary eye care physician for recommendations on alternative options that might be available to you.
The risks
Similarly, you may hear the positive aspects of what to expect when receiving Lasik eye surgery and focus on the benefits you can look forward to. A priority is also learning the potential risks and adverse effects of some experiences. Lasik is a widespread surgery, but risks are possible with any surgical procedure.
Those with a family history of eye disease, such as poor night vision, halos, glares, or any other complications, can face more risk than the average person.
The decision ultimately comes down to whether the results you see in cases similar to yours and the information you receive in your consultations, along with the overall success rate of Lasik, are worth the risk for you.
By vetting the facility, the surgical team, and the board-certified surgeon, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ll be in the best hands.
The facility
A primary factor to consider is where the procedure will be done. Some surgeons perform in a corporate clinic that many practitioners share, while others have a private surgeon-owned facility.
Each has distinct benefits and downsides, but you should ask to see the center to decide if it’s an area where you’ll be comfortable on the day of surgery. You can also request to see the surgeon’s equipment and have them explain the techniques.
A critical tool in Lasik is the excimer laser, and you want to ensure that theirs is the most current version and the highest quality brand available instead of an outdated laser with less precision and incapable of the highest quality vision.
The facility will also either be Lasik-specific or full service. This can determine the level of care you receive and the knowledge and expertise of the surgical staff and the primary surgeon about your circumstances.
If you have had Lasik in the past or have heightened risk factors, a full-service eye care facility is a better choice since these experts will be versed in more complex cases. Click to learn how to find a good Lasik surgeon.
Final Thought
The first hurdle when considering Lasik eye surgery is committing to the decision to move forward and search for a surgeon to perform the procedure. It’s wise to compare a few, basing a choice primarily on years performing Lasik and experience with your situation.
You further want to confirm credentials and reputation and confirm these qualifications by checking previous patients’ testimonials and references. There’s something to be said about your instinct when trying to make a final decision.
If you feel comfortable, find them trustworthy, and feel they’re genuine, you will go into surgery positive and secure in your decision. That can contribute to a successful result.
