If you’ve considered having laser eye surgery, then it’s likely that you have many questions. A Houston LASIK surgeon is the best person to answer these thoroughly. But what should you ask when you go to that consultation? Here are answers to some of the most important questions you’ll want to ask about LASIK surgery, as well as some ideas on what to ask a prospective LASIK surgeon:
Am I A Candidate For LASIK Surgery?
This question tops the list of questions you should ask about LASIK surgery. Unfortunately, it is not something that can be answered without an examination and consultation with an experienced LASIK surgeon.
Most patients who wear glasses will be good candidates. Laser eye surgery can treat mild to moderate forms of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If not, there may be treatments other than glasses available for you that your eye doctor can recommend.
It is important to note that laser vision correction has come a long way in recent years. If you were told in the past that you were NOT a candidate, now is a great time to see if technology improvements have made it possible to have the procedure.
Does LASIK Hurt?
Patients undergoing LASIK surgery will be given medication to feel comfortable, so the procedure itself is not painful.
After the operation, most people experience little to no discomfort whatsoever. You may have a scratchy or watery feeling in your eyes — temporary symptoms which aren’t bothersome to most people.
What Is The Surgery And Recovery Time Frame?
Once you’ve scheduled your Houston LASIK surgery, your provider will go over pre- and post-operative care appointments in detail. At Berkeley Eye Center, you will spend about 2 hours at the surgery center on the day of your procedure. About 15 to 20 minutes of that will be in the surgery suite, and the procedure itself takes only about one minute for each eye.
Thanks to technological advancements in the laser surgery arena, it is likely that both eyes will be treated in one day. Consult your doctor to decide whether it is best for your situation to have both eyes done at once or to have two different surgeries.
After your surgery is completed, you may experience an improvement in your vision immediately. Typically, patients can function without corrective lenses the next day after having laser eye surgery and will see a continual increase in visual acuity over five to seven days after the procedure. Most people can return to normal daily activities the very next day after having their LASIK surgery.
How Much Will LASIK Cost?
Prices will vary depending on which LASIK doctor you choose and the equipment they use. When it comes to the health and welfare of your eyes, however, going with the cheapest option is NOT the best decision. Laser eye surgery is a delicate procedure, and you want the best equipment and the most experienced doctor you can find.
While most insurance companies consider refractive surgery an elective procedure, it is still a good idea to check first to see if any coverage or insurance discounts are available. Berkeley Eye Center also offers several financing options.
Are There Risks Associated With The Procedure?
Laser eye surgery is an extremely safe procedure. Nevertheless, as with any type of surgery, there are some risks involved. These should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor before you undergo the procedure.
For the vast majority of patients who have laser vision correction surgery, the results are amazing — life-changing, even.
Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, and a significant number achieve perfect vision.
Some of the most common side effects reported by post-operative patients include:
- Dry eyes
- Glare
- Halo effects around light
- Under- or over-correction of vision
These side effects are usually mild and temporary. In very rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as corneal flap complications or infection.
What to Ask About LASIK Surgeons and Surgery Centers
In addition to questions about LASIK surgery, it’s important to ask about the experience of your chosen surgeon.
- How many procedures have they performed?
- Do they have any specialized training in refractive surgery?
- What is their success rate?
- What type of equipment do they use?
Deciding to have laser vision correction is a big one. Be sure to do your research and ask lots of questions before entrusting your eyesight to anyone.
When it comes time for your consultation, don’t be afraid to ask about anything that’s on your mind — no question is too small.
Schedule a Free Consultation and Get Answers to All Your Questions About LASIK
The best way to learn whether you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery is to schedule a free consultation at Berkeley Eye Center.
At your consultation, one of our experienced doctors will thoroughly examine your eyes and go over all your options with you. They will answer any questions you may have about the procedure, what to expect before and after surgery, and what the risks and potential side effects are.
You will also have a chance to ask about financing options and whether your insurance covers the cost of LASIK surgery.
To find out more about LASIK surgery, schedule a consultation with the experienced surgeons at Berkeley Eye Center today. We look forward to helping you achieve clear vision!