LASIK Surgery has become a popular choice for getting rid of vision problems and the hassles of wearing glasses and contact lenses. However, finding the right surgeon and the best location to get the procedure done isn’t that easy! With a crowded market echoing the same slogans from being the “best surgeon in town” and “Offering the most advanced technology”, it is very important to navigate through these marketing messages and pick the true best choice for laser eye surgery after a rigorous fact checking. Here are a few suggestions to get you started in your search for the best surgeon in town:
• Word of the mouth: Word of the mouth can be one of the best ways to get information about the LASIK experience and the surgeon who performed the surgery. You can ask your friends who’ve had the LASIK procedure.
Here are few elements in the form of questions that will contribute to the overall success of your surgery:
1- How was your personal Experience with LASIK?
2- Did you get the results you were looking for?
3- Did you get any side effects or had any complications?
4- Did the surgeon have good bedside manners?
5- What type of technology did the surgeon use?
6- What pre and post op tests did they perform on you?
7- What is the eye drop and vitamin regimen that was prescribed for you?
If you get the answers you were hoping for, and if more than one or two people recommend the surgeon, then you’ve got a winner.
• Online Reviews: Online reviews can be tricky, as it’s usually hard to filter out those that were written either by the surgeon and his staff, or by their competitors. However, there are few online review sites that are reliable due to their filtering technologies such as Yelp.com. Reviews on Yelp are generally genuine and can be very disruptive. Some Yelp users may describe their entire experience from beginning to end, and will not shy away from voicing their complaints and concerns. An overall 4 star rating means that you’re in good hands, a five star rating means you’re in the best of hands. It’s also good to look at the overall Google reviews as it will factor in reviews from all over the web. Online reviews will give you a fair idea about the quality of the service and help you narrow down your selection by weeding out any surgeon with less than perfect reviews.
• Technology Technology Technology: The LASIK technology is as important as the surgeon performing the procedure. Old technologies might work, but they will leave you with higher probability of developing negative side effects and higher chance of complications. If the surgeon is still offering conventional LASIK, be aware that this means he is using a BLADE not a Laser to create your corneal flap. Conventional LASIK will cost much less, but will surely have higher risks than new laser technologies. There are several new lasers on the market, be sure to learn the differences and benefits of each.
• The Surgeon’s Experience: The surgeon’s years of experience and number of surgeries performed should play a crucial role in your decision-making. You shall always opt for the more experienced Lasik eye surgeon as compared to a new surgeon. Ask for the number of surgeries h performed and the success ratio. Experience translates into a more confident surgeon who can choose the right maneuver in case of a complication, and who can put you at ease through the procedure. An experienced surgeon might cost more, but sure is worth it. You do not want to put your eyes in the hands of a fresh graduate, or a surgeon with a bad reputation.
• Inquire With the Medical Board: Before After you have narrowed down your choices, be sure to check with the medical board to find out if there are any complaints or any incidents reported about the surgeon. Finally Google the surgeon’s name and view the most recent websites featuring the surgeon. If the surgeon has been featured in many publications, and has positive feedback throughout the web, then this might be a good indication.
It is important to do you your homework when choosing a doctor to operate on your most precious organs; your eyes! Be sure to meet the surgeon before the surgery and have him answer all your questions.