subject: A Clear Look at Choosing a LASIK Doctor [print this page] LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure today. However, if you take an indiscriminate attitude in choosing a doctor, you increase the risk of a bad outcome. Use as much scrutiny in picking a doctor for your LASIK surgery as you do with any other surgical procedure. After all, your eyes are at work from the moment they open till late at night.
Selecting a LASIK doctor from a glossy magazine advertisement makes as much sense as opening a phone book to pediatricians, closing your eyes and calling the phone number your finger lands on. While advertisements from magazines, newspapers, radio and television might be a good starting point, you'll want to go many steps further in determining which eye doctor is most qualified to improve your vision.
Step One: Make a LASIK Surgeon Check List
Lists are made every day for what we plan to buy at the supermarket, what we'll have for dinner, things we want to accomplish. So, making a list of qualifications you'd like your LASIK doctor to have is equally important. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website has several LASIK-related checklists, but you'll also want to have a list of the minimum qualifications you desire in a LASIK doctor, like:
Laser vision correction should be a major part of the doctor's practice
The surgeon should be involved in all aspects of your eye care.
All risks and complications should be discussed and all your questions answered by the doctor
The surgeon should have a solid reputation for successful corrective eye surgery outcomes and extensive experience in the field of laser corrective surgery
Asking the right questions and obtaining testimonials from those who have previously had the surgery will be another critical step in your preliminary research.
Step Two: Ask Questions of Prospective LASIK Doctors
Once you have a list of two to three well qualified doctors, you'll then set up a consultation with each surgeon for further investigation. USA Eyes, an advocacy website for LASIK patients, recommends asking doctors specific questions to determine a doctor's qualifications and expertise. A few of those questions include:
How many eyes have you performed LASIK surgery on with the same laser?
Do you use an FDA-approved laser for the procedure that I need?
How many times do you use each microkeratome blade? The answer to this question should be once.
If I should choose, will you be available as my ophthalmologist for years to come or, do you discharge me from your care following the post-operative period?
Step Three: Read the Fine Print
Many advertisements tout LASIK at extremely low rates that may leave you wondering what corners will be cut in the surgery. The telltale signs are usually left to the fine print explaining that price increases may depend upon your eye prescription or astigmatism. So, ask your prospective doctor what the price quoted covers and also how much pre-surgical, after care and refinements are included. Using this three step approach to choosing an eye doctor for your LASIK surgery will give you the confidence that you've chosen the right surgeon for the job.