LASIK eye surgery is one of the most widely performed types of refractive surgery in the world. It has an extremely high success rate in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but many people feel nervous when thinking about getting LASIK done.
To alleviate some of your concerns and uneasiness, you should select a LASIK surgeon that you trust. There are many online resources you can use to find a qualified surgeon, and there are also recommended questions to ask during your initial consultation.
Here’s how to find the best LASIK surgeon.
Understanding LASIK Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is a non-invasive laser vision correction procedure that improves eyesight and reduces dependence on glasses and contacts. The procedure is safe, effective, and quick, usually taking only 15 minutes in total. Patients typically return to their normal activities within a day or two after surgery.
LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If you have good eye health and overall health, you’ve had a stable prescription for at least three years, and you’re between the ages of 18 and 60, you’re likely a candidate for LASIK. If you have existing conditions that may prevent you from getting LASIK, like thin corneas or dry eye, there are alternative laser vision correction options available such as SMILE surgery and PRK surgery.
LASIK is a very low-risk procedure, but as with any surgery, there are potential complications. One rare complication is an irregular heating process that can lead to “irregular astigmatism” or other issues that may require further surgery. For this reason, you should confirm that your surgeon has experience and specialized training in cornea surgery. Knowledge of the healing process of the cornea and how to manage potential complications is critical for a positive outcome.
Researching LASIK Surgeons
When beginning your search for a LASIK surgeon, you can consult resources like the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, your local chamber of commerce, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Check that the surgeon has years of experience performing countless LASIK procedures. You can also ask your current eye doctor to refer you to a surgeon or seek recommendations from friends or family who’ve had successful laser vision correction procedures.
Of course, you should check the surgeon’s previous reviews. You can’t rely on reviews alone to make your decision, but plentiful five-star reviews are a good sign. You can use trusted sites like Google My Business, Vitals, ZocDoc, and Healthgrades to find reviews.
Once you’ve gotten in contact with a potential surgeon, don’t hesitate to ask if they are board-certified. Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties means the board has verified that the surgeon has completed their specific training and practices continuing education in their specialty.
In addition to the surgeon’s qualifications, it’s also important to check that their surgery center uses the most up-to-date, FDA-approved technology. Modern LASIK procedures reduce the chance of human error and offer better recovery periods.
During your initial consultation, pay attention to whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon and their team. Be sure all your concerns and questions are addressed, you don’t feel rushed, and you feel treated in a professional and caring manner.
How to Pick the Best LASIK Surgeon: Other Important Considerations
Consultation Process
Before committing to LASIK surgery, you should ask your surgeon a few questions during your consultation.
Here are some to consider asking:
- Who will be performing the surgery?
- What should I expect during my procedure?
- How many patients need retreatment/correction after their procedure?
- How much will LASIK cost?
- What sort of results can I expect?
- What are the risks of the surgery?
- Do some medical conditions exclude me from getting LASIK?
- What should I expect after surgery?
- How long does recovery take?
Cost Considerations
The cost of LASIK ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye, and there are several reasons for that wide range. First, geographical location is a factor. In areas where the cost of living is higher, the cost of refractive surgery will be higher. A surgeon’s level of experience and the type of technology used also affect the cost.
The overall cost of LASIK usually includes pre- and post-operative exams for at least one year, facility and surgeon fees, postoperative eye drops, and follow-up procedures should there be a need to fine-tune the correction.
Postoperative Care & Follow-Up
Your surgeon should inform you of everything you need to know following your procedure. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions for a smooth recovery.
In general, there are three key elements of LASIK recovery:
- Protection: During the healing process, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes or doing anything that can cause infection or dislodge the corneal flap created during surgery. Wearing an eye shield, especially when sleeping, is an easy way to protect your eyes.
- Medications: A post-op plan usually includes the use of eye drops to help with dry eye. You may also be prescribed a pain reliever to help with discomfort in the first day or two.
- Checkups: You’ll need to see your LASIK surgeon 24 to 48 hours after your surgery they can check your vision and how you’re healing. Follow-up appointments should be continued for at least six months following the procedure to ensure that recovery is going as expected.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a LASIK Surgeon
Basing Your Decision Entirely on Cost
The quality of your LASIK procedure is not something you want to compromise on. Because a LASIK surgeon’s reputation, level of expertise, and the technology they use affect the price, it’s more important to select a surgeon with tens of thousands of successful LASIK procedures under their belt than one who offers low-cost LASIK.
Overlooking the Importance of Experience
It’s great to see a board-certified general ophthalmologist for most eye concerns, but when it comes to LASIK, you want to select a surgeon who is mostly or solely dedicated to performing LASIK procedures. You can ask them how many procedures they have performed and what their success rate is.
Not Asking Questions During Your Consultation
If you don’t feel comfortable asking as many questions as you’d like to and getting proper answers during your LASIK consultation, you probably don’t want to select that surgeon. After all, you can’t ask about a surgeon’s qualifications, certifications, or experience level if you feel rushed or ignored. In addition to asking questions about your surgeon, you should ask what you can expect after your procedure based on your specific vision needs.
Schedule Your LASIK Consultation at Toledo LASIK
Toledo LASIK is home to qualified, board-certified eye surgeons who’ve performed over 40,000 successful LASIK procedures. We provide free LASIK consultations, during which our expert team will determine if LASIK is right for you. If you’re not a candidate, we can recommend alternative laser vision correction options.
Both our general eye care patients and LASIK patients report complete satisfaction with the care they received and the outcome of their procedures.
If you’re considering getting LASIK to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts, schedule your free consultation at Toledo LASIK today.
