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DEL.ICIO.USAsk the questions about your eyes, nail down the facts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I wore glasses for 27 years. Three years ago, I took the plunge and had LASIK surgery. The decision wasn’t made lightly.
I was tired of wearing glasses and contacts, but I had a certain comfort level with them. That wasn’t the case with LASIK.
After a lot of research — including advice from my aunt who is an optometrist and conversations with others who had undergone the procedure — I decided the positive impact it could have on my life was worth the risk of surgery.
There was still much I was apprehensive about, including the possibility of dry eyes, the “halo effect” that some people experience and, of course, the risk that I could lose my vision.
I also was concerned about choosing the right physician. After talking with my aunt and getting recommendations from people who had the surgery and doing additional research on my own, I chose a doctor.
Lots of people perform LASIK surgery today, so it’s crucial to do your homework if you’re contemplating this sophisticated procedure. Our cover story http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/index.html provides some questions you’ll want to ask before choosing a surgeon.
My advice: Cheaper isn’t always the best way to go.
LASIK turned out to be a good thing for me, but’s it’s not for everybody. Sometimes your eyes aren’t suited for it or the risks seem too great. The important thing at any point, however, is to make sure you ask a lot of questions.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Family
Comments
By jeff
October 4, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
I had Lasik 2 and a half years ago, for me it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I love seeing normal with no contacs. I was a slave to them before. I have gotten to the point where I take my eye sight for granted they are so good. But I remember how it used to be and Thank the Lord for Lasik!!!
By lovelyliz
October 4, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
You need to find a good doctor or a few and get a second opinion.
A few years ago someone I worked with wanted to have the Lasik surgery. He initially went to the cheapest guy on his list and seemed to have a good evaluation, but I convinced him to have a second opinion done. Another doctor told recommended against him having the procedure at that time, family history I think.
I am not saying the first doctor wouldn’t have eventually gotten around to finding out the problems that the second doctor found during his first and only exam, but when it comes to something as important as your eye-sight, don’t go cheap and get a nother opinion.
By Carol
October 4, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
More expensive is not always better either. My boss went to the most expensive Lasik specialist and had multiple problems after the surgery and had to have it re-done within a couple of months. The actual doctor performing the procedure is more important than the facility with the big name. A doctor at a less expensive facility may actually have performed more procedures and be more experienced than a doctor that is a member of a large eye group who is relatively new at performing Lasik. As always—research, research, research.
By BigFan
October 4, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
I had LASIK several years ago, and it was expensive, but worth every penny. I checked out several places and doctors, and picked the one that made me feel comfortable. That did a lot to boost my confidence in having the procedure done. I would do it over again without a second thought, it’s so great to be able to do outdoor activities without my glasses sliding off of my nose!
People who are freaked out about the possibility (small, but still there) of damaging their eyesight should think about the risks of eye infections from wearing contacts. My friends who quake at the idea of LASIK regularly wear their contact lenses too long, or don’t clean them properly. Corneal ulcers will ruin your eyesight too.
By brabus
October 4, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
I had the procedure done 2 years ago. In my opinion, the evaluation where it is determined whether you are a good candidate for LASIK is the most important part of the process. Some doctors treat it like a factory, pushing through procedure after procedure, and will not be as careful in the initial evaluation step. I had my procedure done by an MCG affiliated clinic in Augusta because that is my hometown because I personally knew the doc and trusted he would have my best interests in mind rather than profit.
It may be worth it to go a doctor that charges for the evaluation rather than give away free evaluations. That way, you’re paying for his/her time and he/she has less profit incentive to OK you for the procedure to make up for his/her time giving you a free evaluation.
By Jessie
October 4, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
After several months and a lot of heavy thinking, I’ve finally decided to have Lasik done. I’m trying to join the military, the Army to be exact, and they require that I have it done prior to enlisting. I was initially put off by the risks of Lasik, but I had to tell myself, there’s a very slim chance any of them will happen to you, and do you really want to live in fear and miss out on your dream career? Anything that’s worth anything at all requires a little courage. Nobody else can tell you what you should or shouldn’t do, the decision is yours, and it is a big one, but just go with your intincts.
By Glenn
October 4, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
The seven questions to ask about Lasik included in the AJC Lasik article are a start, but they miss a lot of needed information. The USAEyes.org 50 Tough Questions For Your Lasik Doctor will provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a potential Lasik surgeon.