Levels of risk and benefit can vary from surgeon to surgeon depending on their level of experience with a particular procedure. So finding the best LASIK surgeon is important for you. Be wary of basing your decision simply on cost. Don’t settle for the first eye center doctor you find or procedure you investigate. Also, be wary of centers that advertise “20/20 vision or your money back” or “package deals.”12 “There are never any guarantees in medicine.”12 Remember that the decisions you make about your eyes and LASIK will affect you for the rest of your life. 12 Have all of your questions answered before choosing LASIK eye surgery and your LASIK surgeon.
Only ophthalmologists (Eye MDs) are permitted to perform Lasik. Ask your Eye MD or optometrist for a referral to an Eye MD who performs Lasik. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website (www.eyenet.org) feature “Find an Eye MD” can provide you with a list of their members who perform Lasik.
Ninety-five percent of all ophthalmologists (Eye MDs) are Academy members. Also, the International Society of Refractive Surgery website (www.LocateAnEyeDoc.com) will provide you with names of refractive surgeons.
Ask your surgeon the following questions:
- How long have you been doing Lasik surgery?
- How much experience do you have with the Lasik procedure?
- How do you define success? What’s your success rate? What is the chance for me (with my correction) to achieve 20/20? How many of your patients have achieved 20/20 or 20/40 vision? How many patients return for enhancements? In general 5-15% return.
- What laser will you be using for my surgery? Make sure your surgeon is using a laser approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As of this publication’s printing, the FDA has approved five lasers for Lasik; they are manufactured by VISX, Summit, Bausch and Lomb, Nidek and ATC. Contact the FDA for updates.
- What’s involved in after-surgery care?
- Who will handle after-surgery care? Who will be responsible?
- What about risks and possible complications?
Resources:
- Federal Trade Commission; www.tc.gov
- Texas AgriLife Extension Service
