Laser eye surgery: Finding the right clinic

How to compare treatment options and clinics suited to your needs

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The two most important factors of successful laser surgery are choosing a surgeon you feel the most comfortable with, and determining the most suitable type of laser eye surgery for the individual refractive condition. Speaking with other patients about their experiences, doing your own research, and consulting an eye doctor can help make these decisions easier.

Choosing a doctor

An important part of deciding whether to have laser eye surgery is finding the right doctor and clinic. There are many factors to consider, including experience, expertise and equipment, to name a few. Hearing the opinions of different surgeons or asking friends for recommendations may also help when choosing the one most suited to your individual needs.

When going for a consultation, it is important to ask about the doctor’s experience, solutions offered, costs, and other factors important for the decision-making process. During this appointment, you will likely undergo several tests to discover if you are eligible for laser eye surgery. The eye doctor will be able to answer your questions during this session.

How to differentiate between clinics

While comparing the clinics that perform laser eye surgeries there are two major factors you should consider:

Your doctor can answer your individual questions
Your doctor can answer your individual questions

Doctor’s experience

Every doctor brings his or her own unique experience with laser eye surgery to the table. Doctors also have different preferences and depending on this, the different treatment options they offer can vary. Many clinics and hospitals host informational events about laser eye surgery and what they offer. Consider searching for such an event nearby to learn more about this topic.

Treatment costs

Undeniably, the cost of laser eye surgery is an important deciding factor. During a consultation, a clinic representative should explain what the price is and what it entails. Take this opportunity to ask whether it includes pre- and post-surgery care or only the operation. Also be mindful that on some advertisements prices may only include the treatment of one eye.
 
While considering different treatment options, it is important to remember that the price is not the only indicator of the quality.

Checklist for doctor’s consultation

The amount of information about laser eye surgery can sometimes be overwhelming. You will probably receive a lot of brochures, educational packs, and information to sort through. However, the best way to gain an understanding of what you can expect during and after the surgery, is to ask your eye doctor. In addition to finding the best procedure for your refractive error, your doctor will be able to clarify any uncertainties you may have about the surgery.

Here are some topics you can discuss with a potential surgeon during your decision-making process:

  • Your eligibility for laser eye surgery
  • The doctor’s experience in laser eye surgery
  • Types of laser vision correction surgeries offered
  • Where the surgery will be performed
  • Duration of the surgery
  • Suitability for different types of laser vision correction
  • Potential post-surgery complications with your current prescription
  • Post-surgery expectations
  • Costs and what they include (your doctor may refer this question to a clinic representative)
Consult your doctor to find the best procedure for your refractive error
Consult your doctor to find the best procedure for your refractive error

Selecting a laser eye surgery procedure

There are different treatment options for laser vision correction, catering to different conditions. Each solution, while varying in the type of laser and process, has a similar success rate in improving vision for patients.

Depending on your refractive condition, one solution may be better suited to you than others. An eye doctor will be able to recommend the best option for your individual needs.

Compare the different solutions - PRK/LASEK, LASIK and SMILE.
Vision correction: all about eye surgery How standard eye procedures can improve vision quality
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