Choosing the right laser eye surgeon for your needs is one of the most important decisions you will make. It can make all the difference in terms of achieving the desired visual outcomes from your surgery.
The best surgeons are honest and straightforward in explaining the results you can expect from your procedure. You should also find out about the history of their practice, including how many procedures they have performed.
Qualifications and Credentials
A career in laser eye surgery takes many years of study, specialist training and on-the-job experience. It’s appropriate to ask prospective surgeons how many procedures they’ve done and what their visual outcomes have been like for previous patients with similar precise vision problems and measurements.
Manufacturers of lasers, lens implants and surgical devices invest millions of dollars in research, invention and patenting their ophthalmic products. So, when they select surgeons to be clinical investigators for FDA studies of these products, they only choose those with impeccable professional credentials.
When researching prospective laser eye surgeons, find out whether they perform refractive surgery at their own surgical center. This will indicate how experienced they are at performing this type of procedure and that they have enough volume to support a fully functional, staffed surgical center. Also, ask if they are board certified ophthalmologists or optometrists. Ophthalmologists have more surgical training than optometrists, who typically perform routine eye exams and prescribe contacts and glasses.
Experience and Expertise
Getting to be an eye surgeon requires more than just earning a medical degree. Once a doctor has registered provisionally with the General Medical Council (GMC) they must complete a 2-year foundation programme before becoming fully qualified to carry out medical procedures and treat patients.
A good way to gauge how much experience a LASIK surgeon has is by looking for their track record. Ideally, you will want to choose an eye specialist that has been performing laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) since 1998 or sooner.
You should also look for a LASIK surgeon that has been certified to train other eye doctors and has academic appointments. This shows that they are experienced and knowledgeable in the use of a specific laser, lens implant technology or other device used for refractive surgery. These surgeons are trusted by the manufacturers of these devices to be experts in the field.
Technology and Equipment
People who undergo laser eye surgery experience dramatically improved vision that eliminates the need for glasses or contacts in most cases. However, vision is not always immediately stabilized and may fluctuate for the first six months after the procedure.
A top laser eye surgeon will use the latest technology available to help ensure the best possible outcome. You can check out the technology used by a particular practice at any time or ask for a demo to see how it works.
At BoydVision, our surgeons use the VisX STAR S4 which provides precise digital impressions of your eyes. This information can then be translated into a set of wavefront custom treatment instructions for the laser – optimised specifically to your eyes.
The VisX STAR S4’s excimer laser also has an extra feature called “The Blend Zone” that allows your surgeon to ablate an area equal to the size of your pupil in dim light, which can reduce the chances of post-surgery issues such as halos and glare at night. This is a significant advantage over some other machines on the market that don’t offer this ability.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
If you’re a surgeon or clinic, soliciting testimonials from happy patients is an excellent way to market your practice. You can use patient reviews on your website or third-party review sites, as long as you obtain the patient’s permission to display their name and first initial (with their consent) and comply with privacy regulations.
Reviews that convey a patient’s emotional journey or personal experiences can also leave a stronger impression on potential new patients. Testimonials that are well written and easy to understand make the most impact.
The biggest benefit of LASIK and other refractive surgery options is corrected vision that can last a lifetime, but you should still expect to need glasses as you age. In addition, you should be aware that the procedure can result in undercorrections and overcorrections if your surgeon isn’t careful. This could require an enhancement procedure within a year to correct the problem.
Consultation Process
The consultation process is an important part of the Lasik journey. It’s your chance to evaluate your surgeon, and your opportunity to decide whether this is a procedure you want to pursue.
A good eye doctor will explain the entire process in detail. It’s also a time to ask any questions you may have.
LASIK is the most popular type of laser vision surgery, but there are other types that may use different techniques. For example, some methods may not involve creating a flap in your cornea.
The LASIK surgery process is relatively painless, but you should expect some discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. You may experience visual disturbances like halos or glare, and your eyes may feel dry and gritty as the tissues heal. These side effects typically disappear within a few days. In some cases, the laser removes too little or too much tissue from your cornea, causing under- or overcorrection.
Cost and Financial Considerations
It’s important to understand the cost involved with laser eye surgery. It’s best to avoid deciding solely on price, however, because the cheapest provider may be cutting corners elsewhere in order to maintain that low cost. Some providers also offer payment plans, and you should be aware of whether or not your insurance carrier or FSA (Health Savings Account) offers benefits for laser vision correction.
If your chosen surgeon provides you with the highest-quality refractive surgery technology, you can rest assured that your procedure will be safe and effective. Moreover, you can expect that the doctor will provide comprehensive education and information about your treatment, along with a thorough eye exam. During the exam, the surgeon will likely administer medicated eye drops and a mild sedative to ensure you are comfortable throughout your laser vision correction procedure. They will also measure your tears and check for dry eyes, which can cause complications after surgery.