Finding the best LASIK surgeon
If you need laser eye surgery, and you are planning to get it, one of the most important decisions you can make is that of choosing your LASIK surgeon. While much of the technology is the same, and while LASIK has a high success rate, it is still going to matter who performs the surgery. The fact is, the better the LASIK surgeon you choose, the better you can rest at night knowing you did what was right for your eyes. After all, it is your vision you are talking about. The following are some tips for how to find the best LASIK surgeon:
Referrals.
Whether you are remodeling a house or an eyeball, asking for referrals is one of the best ways to find the best. Of course, you do not want referrals from just anyone, you want them from people who know the industry and what they are talking about. So, start by asking for a referral from your regular eye care practitioner, whether an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Do not just ask if they know any LASIK surgeons, or they might just recommend the guy who works down the hall, instead, tell your eye care practitioner that you want the LASIK surgeon in your area with the best reputation in the profession. Usually they will tell you a name, or at the very least, who to avoid.
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Internet.
The internet is a great place to get information, and it can be very useful in selecting the best LASIK surgeon. You can start by visiting the American Academy of Ophthalmology's website at www.aao.org, here you want to follow prompts to "Find an Eye MD", and then be sure to look under the specialty for refractive surgery. This will give you a place to start, some names to go off of, and help you look further on the internet for complaints, compliments, and information about the people with specialties in LASIK surgery.
Phone book.
One great way to find the best LASIK surgeon is to get on the phone. You should call each of the refractive surgery centers in your area. You can look them up in the Yellow Pages. You can visit their websites as well, but they should be able to give you doctor credentials, tell you how long they have specialized in the form of LASIK you need, how long they have practiced, etc. If you are lucky, you may even get a chatty receptionist that can tell you who the best doctor in the office is, and which to avoid.
Once you have a list of surgeons you are considering, it is time to make an appointment, and ask some important questions. The following are the some questions, as well as the answers you want, to ensure you are getting a quality refractive surgeon. Be sure to ask them:
- How long have you been performing refractive surgery procedures? (Not less than three years.)
- How many total procedures have you done? (Not less than 500.)
- How many refractive procedures of the exact type you intend to use for me, with the same equipment, and the same refractive error, have you performed? (Not less than 100.)
- What percent of your refractive surgery patients receive Snellen uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better? (The CRSQA says you should be suspicious of any number that is greater than 90 percent, which is the norm.)
- What percentage achieved 20/20 or better? (Around 65 percent is the norm; ask for proof if a higher number is stated.)
- Will you provide me the names and contact information of at least ten previous patients who have had the exact same surgery with similar refractive error? (They should say yes)
- Have you ever had malpractice insurance coverage denied? (They should say no)
- Have you had your license to perform refractive surgery revoked, suspended or restricted? (If they say yes, run!)
Your vision rests in their hands, so ask away, and do not be afraid to ask other questions as well.
