Before undergoing LASIK surgery, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, its risks, and its benefits. Christopher Blanton, M.D. from Inland Eye LASIK is firmly committed to ensuring that LASIK patients are fully comfortable with the care plan and will answer all patient questions.
Here are five essential questions to ask your LASIK surgeon:
1. Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Understanding your eligibility for LASIK is the first step. Not everyone is a suitable candidate, and various factors can influence this decision.
- Why Ask This: This helps determine if LASIK is the right option for you based on your eye health, prescription stability, corneal thickness, and overall health.
- What to Listen For: The surgeon should discuss your medical history, perform a comprehensive eye exam, and explain why LASIK is suitable or if another procedure might be better.
2. What Are the Potential Risks and Complications?
Every surgical procedure carries risks, and it’s vital to understand these before making a decision.
- Why Ask This: To have a realistic understanding of what to expect and to weigh the benefits against the potential downsides.
- What to Listen For: The surgeon should mention common risks such as dry eyes, glare, halos, under or overcorrection, and more serious but rare complications like infection or vision loss.
3. What Should I Expect During the Recovery Period?
Knowing what the recovery process entails helps in planning and managing post-operative care.
- Why Ask This: To prepare for time off work, understand activity restrictions, and know the timeline for visual improvement.
- What to Listen For: Details about immediate post-surgery symptoms (e.g., discomfort, blurred vision), timeline for vision stabilization, and any restrictions on activities like swimming or using cosmetics around the eyes.
4. How Many LASIK Procedures Have You Performed?
Experience and track record are critical when choosing a surgeon for a delicate procedure like LASIK.
- Why Ask This: To gauge the surgeon’s expertise and confidence in performing the surgery.
- What to Listen For: Numbers indicating extensive experience, information about their success rates, and any professional certifications or specializations in refractive surgery.
5. What Are the Alternatives if LASIK Is Not Suitable for Me?
It’s important to know your options in case LASIK isn’t the best fit for your needs.
Why Ask This: To explore other vision correction options and understand how they compare to LASIK in terms of effectiveness, risks, and recovery.
What to Listen For: Information on alternatives like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), along with an explanation of why one might be more appropriate based on your individual circumstances.
Conclusion
By asking these questions, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of LASIK surgery, ensuring you make an informed decision. Dr. Blanton feels that it is essential for patients to feel confident and comfortable with their surgeon, as this trust will contribute to a positive experience and outcome.
At Inland Eye LASIK, we prioritize the overall health of your eyes above all else. One key aspect of maintaining optimal eye health is addressing and managing dry eye, especially for patients considering LASIK surgery.
Dr. Blanton’s Commitment to Your Eye Health
During your LASIK consultation at Inland Eye LASIK, Dr. Blanton takes the time to thoroughly examine your eyes for any signs of dry eye. This condition, characterized by insufficient or poor-quality tears, can affect the success and comfort of your LASIK procedure.
If dry eye is detected, Dr. Blanton will recommend a treatment plan to ensure it is well-controlled before proceeding with surgery. This proactive approach helps to enhance the healing process and ensures the best possible outcome for your LASIK procedure.
Why Treating Dry Eye is Important Before LASIK
Treating dry eye before LASIK is crucial for several reasons:
- Improved Comfort: Dry eye can cause discomfort during and after the surgery. Managing this condition beforehand ensures a more comfortable experience.
- Enhanced Healing: Properly lubricated eyes heal more efficiently, leading to better and faster recovery post-surgery.
- Optimal Results: Ensuring your eyes are healthy and well-hydrated increases the likelihood of achieving the best visual outcomes from your LASIK procedure
Make an appointment for your Free LASIK Consultation today and transform your eyesight with confidence at Inland Eye LASIK!
