subject: Before You Have Lasik - What To Ask Your Doctor [print this page] Whenever you seek out the help of a doctor you want to trust that he or she is experienced, knowledgeable, and concerned with your well being. There is no exception when it comes to finding the right doctor to perform Lasik eye surgery. So, this is a list of questions to consider asking when you meet with a potential doctor.
How Long Have You Been Performing Lasik Surgery?
Lasik has been a popular tool for vision correction in this country for more than a decade. So, do not hesitate to expect that your doctor has been doing this for at least three years.
How Many Lasik Surgeries Have You Performed?
Even if that doctor has been working with Lasik for more than three years, it doesn't mean much if he or she is only doing five surgeries per year. You would want to hear something more in the neighborhood of five hundred or more. You might also go further and ask how many of those have been done in the last year. You would probably expect to hear two hundred or more, if this doctor is as experienced as your wish him or her to be.
What Percentage of Your Lasik Patients Have an Improved Vision of 20/40?
The average is ninety percent, so you would want to hear a number near that. If you inquire about 20/20 vision, you should receive an answer in the ballpark of 65%.
How Many of Your Patients Had Complications that Persisted More than Six Months?
Minor side effects are not uncommon- such as ghosts, excess glare, halos, etc- but if complications persist more than six months, they are considered permanent and may call for a second surgery to repair. The answer you want to receive for this question should be between zero and three percent- nothing more than that.
Have You Declined Patients in the Past?
Yes! You absolutely want to hear yes as an answer to this question because not all patients are great candidates for Lasik and you don't want to have it done if you are not of the proper health or are susceptible to complications.
Do You Perform Enhancement Surgeries and If So, What Percentage of Your Lasik Patients Have Received One?
Enhancement surgeries are secondary surgeries intended to correct or improve upon the first Lasik surgery. While it wouldn't be good to hear that the doctor won't do them, you also don't want to hear that he or she has done a large percentage. Something around ten percent or less would be acceptable. Also inquire about the charge for these secondary surgeries. Enhancement surgeries are generally free within a specified amount of time- typically one year.
Have You Ever Had Your License or Hospital Privileges Revoked?
If the answer is yes, go find another doctor.
Are All Your Lasers and Equipment Used For the Lasik Procedure FDA Approved?
If the answer is no, then you should be given a solid explanation of why not.
What Will The Eye Examination Entail Prior To Surgery?
All ophthalmologists should perform a consultation and a thorough eye examination. He or she should be able to tell you everything that is involved in the exam and what they are looking for. You should also be informed about recovery times, proper care post-op, and should be made aware of acceptable and unacceptable side effects and complications related to the surgery, so you know whether or not an emergency visit is necessary.
by: Roger Ubik
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