Patients in Chicago often consider surgery for months or even years before going in for a consultation with a LASIK surgeon. You may have concerns about the safety of having LASIK surgery even if you know people with success stories. Understand LASIK safety by doing research on your chosen Chicago LASIK surgeon, speaking with friends about their experiences and learning about the surgical process. It has been considered a medically safe procedure for twenty years.
What can patients do to ensure their safety?
You may already know the kind of vision loss you are experiencing based on your previous eye exams. Patients who choose vision surgery are usually farsighted, nearsighted or have astigmatism. A Chicago LASIK surgeon will perform exams that thoroughly map your eyes to help determine the likelihood of success. Knowing more about quality of your vision prior to visiting a doctor will give you insight about whether you are a good LASIK candidate.
Finding out what the actual surgery is like will help you feel more comfortable. An experienced LASIK surgeon reshapes the cornea of your eye with a laser allowing for better visual focus. You will be sedated but awake during the procedure, which takes about 10 minutes. Be sure to adhere to requirements prior to the surgery such as refraining from wearing contacts for a given time. It may also help to bring in your most recent prescription glasses.
Patients will often do everything right prior to LASIK surgery and be less than committed when it comes to follow-up evaluations and care. Think of surgery as a process where your recovery continues after you leave the operating room. Be sure to maintain contact with your LASIK doctor so you know what to expect.
Making an Informed Decision
Researching LASIK safety helps you to make an informed decision about whether this surgery is right for you. There is a great deal of information to sift through about the technology and finding the right doctor. You need to know whether your eyes and lifestyle make you a good candidate for LASIK surgery. It is important to consult professionals in order to make the right decision.