If you’re considering LASIK, the first step is a LASIK consultation. You’ll want to find a surgeon you can trust with your valuable eyesight, and the consultation is your time to ask questions about the procedure. But what questions should you ask during a LASIK consultation?
We’ve compiled a list of helpful questions that you should ask before laser eye surgery. These questions will help you determine if you can trust a LASIK surgeon with your vision.
Questions to ask about your LASIK surgeon’s experience
LASIK has been around since the 1990’s, but many surgeons are new to the procedure. You want to know that your surgeon has performed the procedure on thousands of patients with great outcomes. Here are some questions to ask a LASIK surgeon about his training and experience.
- What is your professional training?
- How many years of experience do you have, and how many LASIK procedures have you performed?
- Do you perform any other types of vision treatment?
- How many of your patients achieve vision results of 20/20 or better?
- How do you handle complications? What percentage of patients have complications with the surgery?
- Have you ever performed LASIK on a family member or staff member?
The last question may seem strange, but a doctor who has performed the procedure on his staff or close relatives most likely has a solid skill level. They won’t take a risk on the vision of their family. The national average of LASIK complications is 1-2%, so be concerned if a LASIK surgeon claims that their patients never have complications. Thankfully, most LASIK complications are not severe and are limited to dry eyes or a “halo effect.” In fact a recent large multicenter prospective study has proven that dry eyes and halos after LASIK in the hands of skilled surgeons are significantly less than in those who wear contact lenses.
Questions to ask about your compatibility with LASIK
Below are some questions about your own compatibility with the LASIK procedure. These questions will help you access what laser vision correction procedure you should have and if your surgeon has the best technology.
- Am I a candidate for LASIK?
- If I’m not eligible for LASIK, do you offer other laser vision correction surgeries?
- Do you perform bladeless LASIK surgery?
- What are possible side effects and complications associated with LASIK?
- What results can I reasonably expect?
- How should I prepare for the procedure?
- What kind of laser will you be using to perform my procedure?
- Will I need laser vision correction again?
- What financing options do you offer?
If you aren’t a candidate for LASIK, you may be a candidate for PRK or other corrective surgery. Find out if your surgeon performs these procedures too. As with any surgery, LASIK has some risks – your surgeon should be able to give you detail information about these risks and what type of results you can expect from the procedure. You also should look for a surgeon with bladeless LASIK, which has a faster recovery time and fewer complications.
Questions to Ask About LASIK Recovery
Don’t forget to ask questions about recovery during your LASIK consultation. You’ll want to know if you need to schedule time off work or have someone pick you up from your surgery.
- Will I be able to drive myself home after surgery?
- Will I be given pain medication for discomfort?
- How long is the recovery?
- Should I take time off from work? If so, how much?
- When can I exercise?
- When will I see my final vision results?
- What type of long-term follow-up care do you offer?
If you don’t feel comfortable with the way the doctor answers your questions or you want a second opinion, it’s a good idea to have another LASIK consultation. Laser vision correction is a life-changing procedure, so you want to have the very best LASIK surgeon.
Dr. Lipstock at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center has years of experience performing LASIK, PRK, and other eye surgeries in Richmond. He’s happy to answer your questions about LASIK and his experience to make you feel comfortable on surgery day! To find out if you’re a candidate, schedule a free consultation online or by phone today.