LASIK Surgery and You: How to Select a LASIK Surgeon

Anyone who has had to wear glasses or contacts for a long time can’t help but be interested in LASIK. Consequently, in cities like Atlanta LASIK surgery and related procedures are on the rise. But are there any prerequisites for LASIK surgery? And, what about choosing a LASIK surgeon-what qualifications should one look for? As LASIK is an important decision, carefully consider the following.

What Makes a Someone a Potential LASIK Patient?

According to the Duke University Center for Vision Correction (Winston-Salem, NC), an ideal LASIK candidate should:

• Be at least 18 years old; however, sometimes one will need to be over 21 due to the nature of the procedure. (Age requirement is set by the FDA)
• Have a stable refractive prescription
• There are no significant eye diseases
• One does not have any systematic conditions like lupus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, or severe rheumatoid arthritis.
• In addition, LASIK is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

When it has been determined that one is a candidate for LASIK, it is necessary to select a qualified surgeon. This can be done by talking to friends, family and coworkers as well as getting the eye doctor’s recommendation. Once one has narrowed down a list of surgeons, there are some additional questions that should be asked of each prospect.

10 Questions to Ask a Prospective LASIK Surgeon

• How many LASIK procedures have been successfully completed? A minimum of 1,000 is the FDA recommendation.
• Is the laser FDA approved and how often is it recalibrated?  The laser should be FDA approved and made in America. Also, the laser should be recalibrated after every 4th use (if not before).
• What percentages of their patients have 20/20 or 20/40 vision after LASIK? These numbers should be high, with 20/40 being the higher percentage.
• How often is the microkeratome incisor changed? These should be changed after every procedure.
• Is there any advanced technology or state of the art equipment used that makes this office unique? Wavefront guided technology is highly valued.
• Has the surgeon ever been involved in a malpractice suit? 1-2 is acceptable-depending on the circumstances, but if there is more than that, one should look elsewhere.
• Has the surgeon ever lost their license? If so, move on.
• How long has the surgeon been doing LASIK surgery? One should find a surgeon who has been performing LASIK for a minimum of 3 years.
• Is the surgeon a member of at least one national organization and one local/state group of LASIK surgeons? A surgeon who is a part of a group is going to be more aware of new techniques, procedures and concerns than one who does not interact with others LASIK surgeons.
• Discus payment arrangements in advance.

LASIK surgery is a fantastic way to “see into the future”. Nevertheless, it is not a something to take lightly. Doing some research and taking one’s time is a great way to ensure that LASIK will provide all that one is looking for.