Long Island LASIK Expert Offers Tips In Choosing Laser Vision Correction Doctor By Marc Werner, MD

www.stahleyecenter.com

Choosing to have LASIK surgery is an important decision that can change one´s life. Most patients are delighted with the results. After LASIK surgery, they can avoid the hassle of contact lenses. They no longer have to search for their glasses when waking up in the morning.

Although LASIK has proven to be extremely safe and effective, people considering LASIK—or any other surgery—should do their homework. To get the best result possible, it´s important to choose an experienced physician. These tips from Stahl Eye Center will help you make an educated choice when deciding where to have LASIK:

Ask Around. Get recommendations from friends, family or co-workers who´ve had LASIK surgery. A trusted family doctor may also be able to recommend someone. A good surgeon usually has a solid reputation in his or her community.

Check Credentials. Make sure the physician is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. A board-certified ophthalmologist has passed a set of rigorous examinations in the field of ophthalmology. Another organization, the nonprofit Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance, certifies refractive surgeons based on patient outcomes. You can check certification at www.usaeyes.org.

Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable. Make sure the physician is willing to take the time to answer all of your questions in non-technical terms. The doctor should explain what you can expect in terms of the final outcome and recovery time. He should discuss possible risks as well as benefits.

Check on the doctor´s experience. Ask the physician how many LASIK procedures he has performed. An experienced surgeon will have performed hundreds of LASIK surgeries or more. He will also be knowledgeable about which procedure will get you the best result. Not every patient is a candidate for LASIK, but there may be another option to attain excellent vision.

Choose a surgeon who makes LASIK a major part of his practice. These physicians often have a surgical suite where they perform LASIK on site. You may want to avoid a specialist in glaucoma, for example, who does an occasional LASIK procedure at another location.

Ensure that the doctor will be providing most of your care. Ask the LASIK doctor if he will be involved in your care from beginning to end. This means that he will perform most of the pre-operative exam to see if you´re a good candidate for LASIK, in addition to the surgery itself. The doctor should also be the one to monitor your eyes in the months following surgery.

Make sure you understand all costs involved. LASIK surgery is not covered

by insurance. However, do not let price be the determining factor when choosing a LASIK surgeon. Beware of extremely low prices, as the doctor may be cutting corners or may not possess the latest technology to yield the best result.

For more information, visit StahlEyeCenter.com or call 888-55-SIGHT