How to Find the Right LASIK Su

The world of ophthalmology is one of the fastest evolving fields of medicine. Never before have so many new techniques and scientific breakthroughs been brought before the public in such a short period of time. LASIK and the introduction of implantable lenses now offer millions of people the opportunity to see without the use of glasses or contacts. Television and radio ads are filled with amazing stories about laser eye surgery and the painless way to correct vision. Laser centers have popped up around the country in record numbers. How does the consumer decide? Is this procedure really safe? How do I know if I’m a good candidate? The key to safe surgery in any field of medicine is an informed patient. Take a few moments and research the Laser Center that you are considering for correcting your vision. Ask questions! The following guidelines have been developed to help consumers ask the right questions and find a competent surgeon. 1.Choose the right doctor and pay what it costs. Discount surgery is as good as a discount parachute. Many advertisements are pushing, “low-cost” surgery. This is an important warning sign to proceed with caution. 2.Find a doctor by getting referrals from other doctors or from patients who have had laser vision correction. 3. Choose the doctor, not the laser center. Be sure to know who is actually doing the procedure — ask about their qualifications. Don’t be fooled by fancy advertisements about a particular laser center. Find out who the doctor will be and then check him out! 4. Every doctor is a legend in his own mind. Ask around to verify any special claims of competence. 5. Expect to see very well after having LASIK, but don’t expect to see perfectly. Each patient gets a slightly different result. Even the best doctor in the world can’t promise you 20/20 vision. As with any surgery, results are as individual as each patient. 6. If you feel like you’re getting a hard sell, you probably are – beware. Go elsewhere. Run, don’t walk. You’re not buying a car, this is real surgery. 7. If your level of nearsightedness is more than -11 or so, implantable lenses will probably offer better vision than LASIK. Advancements in Ophthalmology are rapidly changing. Ask your doctor about implantable lenses and other recent advancements. 8. While you investigate, don’t lose sight of the benefits: for most people a lifetime of bad vision can be cured in 10-minutes. LASIK has improved the eye sight of millions of people around the world. 9. Be sure the laser being used is FDA approved. Ask what laser your doctor uses, then contact the laser company directly to confirm whether they are qualified. Dr. Jonathan M. Davidorf, of the Maloney Vision Institute in Los Angeles, was the first surgeon in California to perform LASIK for farsightedness. He helped author the world’s first textbook on the state-of-the-art LASIK procedure and has trained many other ophthalmologists on the most advanced surgical techniques. Information for this article was provided by Maloney Vision Institute. For more information, call 1-877-EYESIGHT (393-7444). The website is www.maloneyvision.com