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Choosing a Lasik Eye Surgeon
If you are considering refractive surgery, make sure you:
Compare. The levels of risk and benefit vary slightly not only
from procedure to procedure, but from device to device depending
on the manufacturer, and from surgeon to surgeon depending on their
level of experience with a particular procedure.
Don't base your decision simply on cost and don't settle for the
first eye center, doctor, or procedure you investigate. Remember
that the decisions you make about your eyes and refractive surgery
will affect you for the rest of your life.
Be wary of eye centers that advertise, "20/20 vision or your
money back" or "package deals." There are never any
guarantees in medicine.
Read. It is important for you to read the patient handbook provided
to your doctor by the manufacturer of the device used to perform
the refractive procedure. Your doctor should provide you with this
handbook and be willing to discuss his/her outcomes (successes as
well as complications) compared to the results of studies outlined
in the handbook.
Even the best screened patients under the care of most skilled
surgeons can experience serious complications.
During surgery. Malfunction of a device or other error, such as
cutting a flap of cornea through and through instead of making a
hinge during LASIK surgery, may lead to discontinuation of the procedure
or irreversible damage to the eye.
After surgery. Some complications, such as migration of the flap,
inflammation or infection, may require another procedure and/or
intensive treatment with drops. Even with aggressive therapy, such
complications may lead to temporary loss of vision or even irreversible
blindness.
Under the care of an experienced doctor, carefully screened candidates
with reasonable expectations and a clear understanding of the risks
and alternatives are likely to be happy with the results of their
refractive procedure.
Additional Lasik Surgery Research:
Lasik Candidates |
Lasik Risks | Choosing
a Lasik Surgeon | Monovision
with Lasik | Bilateral
Simultaneous Lasik Treatment | Lasik
Surgery Before & After | Lasik
Surgery Prices & Costs | Lasik
Glossary
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