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eLearning Series:
Lasik Eye Surgery Questions & Answers
( 50 articles
in this series )
Do NOT Choose
a Lasik Eye Surgeon If...
It may seem paradoxical, but the large and
constantly growing number of Lasik surgeons available, combined
with the enormous amount of information available on the Lasik
procedure, combined with the countless number of enticing claims,
offers and testimonials for Lasik surgeons have NOT
made it easier to select a Lasik surgeon. While wading through all
this information that enables you to make an educated choice
(and you WILL need to do your research), it might be wise to
consider a much smaller body of information: two tips on how
NOT to choose your Lasik eye surgeon:
Cost: Lasik is expensive, not as expensive as it once was
but it has not reached the point where its affordable for most
people. Most health insurance will not cover Lasik surgery
because it is considered an elective procedure. Considering
these two factors, the financing offers now being made by the
biggest Lasik clinics and the low-ball prices many others are
offering are no doubt tempting; but you need to take a pledge
NOT to give into that temptation . . . not until you've considered
many other factors.
Advertising: Unfortunately
some percentage of Lasik surgeons will make promises in their
advertisements that are, to put
it kindly, deceptive. The images, claims and testimonials used
in Lasik advertising, can make a Lasik surgeon seem like the
best surgeon in the world and can make the Lasik procedure
itself seem as simple as trimming your toenails. The Lasik
surgeon in question very well might be among the best of the
best, but then again, the claims may just be hype; and while
the Lasik procedure is wonderful, it's hardly simple. Lasik
is a very complex surgical procedure requiring precise manipulation
of two pieces of very complex equipment by a skilled operator.
So ask yourself: do you really want to put your eyesight
on the line based on the word of a paid spokesman, a slick
ad
copywriter or a possibly unethical surgeon? No way in heck!
There IS a better way: Once you realize that you cannot rely
on Lasik advertising and that cost is one of the last considerations
in choosing a Lasik surgeons you're ready to be armed with
the following tips that will help you choose a Lasik surgeon
the right way:
Research: There are many books, pamphlets and reliable Internet
sites that can give you straight information about the Lasik
procedure itself, the risks of the procedure, the complications
you may expect and the results that may be expected from a
successful procedure. Read as much of this information as you
can, it will not only educate you, it will be invaluable knowledge
that you can use during your initial consultations. One tip
on Internet research: Lasik has only been a FDA approved procedure
since 1998 and since then there have been many improvements
in the procedure, in the equipment and in the criteria for
patient selection; make sure you are reading recent material
so you have the most current information. Much of the material
on the Internet is hard to date.
Ophthalmologists
in your area: The American Academy of Ophthalmology
has an informative, reliable web site (http://www.aao.org/)
that is mostly devoted to the Ophthalmologists among their
membership but it also has informative links that will help
you understand eye health and search for a member of the Academy
who is located in your area.
Look
for the FACS accreditation: The letters FACS after a
surgeon's name means that the surgeon is a 'Fellow of the American
College of Surgeons.' Any surgeon who has earned that FACS
designation has passed a thorough evaluation in the areas of
education, training, qualifications, competence and conduct.
Obviously, the best choice for a Lasik surgeon is one who proudly
displays the FACS designation.
Ask
your optometrist: If you are considering Lasik, it's a
good bet you have an optometrist in your past. Talk to your
optometrist and see if he or she has a recommendation for a
Lasik surgeon.
Consultations
(plural intended): After your research you should
have a list of accredited Lasik surgeons in your area --- it
may be a short list or a long one. Prepare a list of questions
and concerns and arrange for appointments with all the surgeons
on your list. After each consultation, after you've asked your
questions, heard what the doctor had to say, looked around
the facility and observed the clinic's operation you will have
some definite impressions of the surgeon, the facility and
the staff. Don't trust your memory, write your impressions
down so you can go back later, after all your consultations,
and compare your experiences in each clinic. Eventually you
will narrow down your list to one Lasik surgeon that you feel
you can trust, talk to and work with.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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