The Right
LASIK Surgery Center
Attention to Detail:
There are some subtle clues to the quality of care and the
attention to detail of the center.
For example, studies have long shown that contact lenses
can change the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the
transparent front segment of the eye that covers the iris,
pupil and anterior chamber, providing most of the eye's
optical power.
A good
laser eye doctor
will suggest
leaving your soft lenses out for three to seven days before
LASIK surgery, and gas permeable lenses out for three to four
weeks. Keeping lenses out for a shorter time may sound more
convenient, but accuracy may suffer.
The seasoned eye surgeon monitors their past surgery
results very closely, and then alters their current surgical
planning based on past outcomes.
An
experienced LASIK surgeon
will also adjust the laser's computer calculation to further
refine his or her own results. The patient's actual
corrective lense prescription is not entered into the laser's
computer, but an adjusted prescription based on this adjusted
surgical nomogram.
Confidence:
Ask if you may watch the surgeon operate via a
closed-circuit monitor and talk to previous patients.
Enhancement Rate:
Ask for the enhancement rate of the center (the percent of
time the LASIK surgery needs to be repeated to eliminate a
lingering significant prescription).
It's nice that LASIK can be repeated if there is a
significant prescription left behind that causes some blurred
vision, but it is also nice if the laser center has at least
an average enhancement rate (national average about 8 -10%).
This is an extremely safe procedure when performed by a
well-trained and
skilled LASIK surgeon.
The
accuracy of LASIK is also astoundingly excellent.
What you want to look for is a masterful surgical team
that will make your LASIK experience seem like a few
effortless minutes resulting in clear vision. Many may claim
that they are such a center, but now you have the tools to
better research who actually is.
So find a great one, relax and enjoy the LASIK experience!
Safety:
The
LASIK center
must have
dedicated surgeons and specialized staff that are committed
to your safety and outcomes. They should welcome your
questions and concerns about laser vision correction and wish
to answer each question to your satisfaction.
Important Intangibles:
- friendliness and warmth of our staff members
- cozy and relaxing environment (especially during
surgery)
- good patient education minimizes unrealistic goals and
fears
- during the preoperative exam we will answer all of your
questions to your satisfaction
- no confusion as to who will provide your treatment and
care
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