Your eyes are vital to everyday life. When you are thinking about having surgery, you want to ensure that you are making a good decision. Many people will have Lasik and have excellent results. The procedure is designed to improve vision and it is a quick and painless procedure.
For doctors, it is best if their patients are well-informed of the procedure. You should also have realistic expectations as to what the potential outcome may be. A good doctor will exam your eyes carefully and will consider your health history. They will help you to determine if this is a good option for you.
There are a few questions that you will want to ask your Lasik eye surgeon including:
• Am I a good candidate for Lasik?
o The Lasik surgeon should carefully determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Lasik vision correction. It has been proven that those people who are not good candidates tend to have complications. Your doctor should also be aware of any other health concerns before operating on you.
• How long will recovery last?
o This is an important question that you need to ask your doctor. This is because each doctor has their own rules for recovery time. Depending on your surgery, you may have a longer recovery time. You may also need to take off of work longer.
• How much is the procedure?
o A procedure may vary depending on the severity your eyes. This main factor often dictates how much the procedure will cost.
• What is included in the cost?
o Most doctors will tell you that all costs relating to the procedure are included in the cost that they give you. If it is possible, ask for a breakdown of the fees so that you can ensure there are no hidden fees involved.
• Do you have payment plans?
o Because most insurance plans do not cover Lasik, many patients are required to pay for the procedure on their own. Unless you have already saved the funds required for the surgery, you may need to inquire about payment plans to pay for your surgery.
• What type of procedure will be used?
o There are several techniques involved with Lasik surgery. Your doctor may specialize in one certain technique or they may perform different procedures. You will most likely want the procedure that is as pain free as possible and inquire whether or not Wavefront technology will be used.
• What will happen during the surgery?
o Your doctor will be able to explain every step of the surgery. This is important because you will need to know what will be happening throughout the process. Most patients will be give eye drops that numb the eye area. If you are nervous, you may receive a sedative to calm you during the process.
• What can I expect afterwards?
o Each patient will have a different result. It is important that you understand what to expect after you have the surgery. Some people experience no problems or pain, but your doctor should also discuss their expectations with you as well.
• What risks and complications are involved?
o Most people will have positive outcomes with these procedures. There are also some risks and complications that may be involved with the procedure. It is beneficial for the surgeon to discuss risks and complications before your surgery.
• What are the post-operative instructions?
o You will post-operative instructions to follow after the surgery. Your doctor will discuss with you when you can go back to work and do physical activity.
• Will Lasik vision correction eliminate the need for corrective lenses?
o The short answer is maybe. Most people who have the procedure may still require glasses or contacts, but at a lower prescription. This is normal and still expected. Lasik is not a means to completely correct problems, but improve it.
• Does the procedure hurt?
o The procedure is painless and quick for most people. Each eye only requires a minute or two and the eye is numbed with drops. You are awake for the entire procedure.
• Will I need to take off work?
o Yes, most patients are required to take some time off of work after the procedure. This can vary according to the work. Most of the time you are able to go back to work within two to three days. If you are on the computer a lot, it may bother your eyes after the surgery.