5 Tips for Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

More than 20 million people have benefited from having LASIK eye surgery over the last 20 years, and today, there are many more options for people looking to have great vision without relying on glasses and contacts. Now, surgeons can offer SMILE, ICLs, PRK, and even refractive lens exchange, which means even if you aren’t a candidate for LASIK, there is likely a vision correction procedure that can help you achieve your vision goals. However, according to a Refractive Surgery Council survey, of the 80 percent of people who need vision correction and are considering LASIK, only two percent make their way into a surgeon’s office to determine if they are a candidate for a vision correction procedure.

Many people avoid taking this step because they’re not sure how to choose a surgeon, or they don’t know what to ask when they visit the surgeon’s office. If you’re interested in LASIK or any other vision correction procedure but are not sure about taking the next step, here are a few suggestions to help get you started:

1. Do your research. You can find valuable information on the Internet (this site, for example, is dedicated to educating about vision correction surgery). Check out medical organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.  Get referrals from friends and family who have had the procedure. Ask them about their experiences and questions to ask your LASIK doctor. Speak with your physician and optometrist. Once you find a surgeon, get additional references from their patients.
2. Ask about the surgeon’s experience. The more experience a surgeon has, the better. A reputable surgeon should welcome any inquiries into his training and expertise. It is not uncommon for a highly experienced surgeon to have performed thousands of procedures. He or she should also meet the highest standards for selecting patients, including screening out those who aren’t good candidates. That can be 15-25 percent of patients. Certain medical issues, such as diabetes or thin or damaged corneas, may rule out LASIK as a good option for some people. However, there may be other vision correction procedures that are suitable, and a highly qualified refractive surgeon will recommend the option that is best for you and your vision.
3. Choose professionalism over price. It’s natural to want to get a good deal, but you can’t put a price on your vision and health. You should never feel pressured to have the procedure performed. A consultation shouldn’t feel like a sales process, it should be a thorough assessment of your eye health to gather all the information about you and your vision necessary to make a solid recommendation about vision correction.
4. Ask about their technology. Not all LASIK surgeons have access to the same technology. And not all practices invest in the most advanced equipment. To ensure that you’re getting the best care, ask your LASIK doctor about specific technology, including what refractive technologies are available today, and why a particular one may be better for the vision correction procedure you need.
5. Be comfortable with your surgeon. He or she should be eager to answer all your questions and help educate you so you can make an informed decision. You should be made fully aware of the risks and benefits. Be wary of a practice that over-promises. LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, but there are limits to what it can achieve. Remember that your eyes will continue to change as you age, and you may still need reading glasses when you’re older.

Now that you understand how to choose a LASIK surgeon, you will want to know what to expect during the consultation. This article provides a good description of what goes into the consultation appointment.