Choosing a Custom LASIK Surgeon

Choosing the right custom LASIK surgeon to perform your laser vision correction is one of the most important steps in the process. Some key factors to take into consideration are the type of custom Wavefront™ LASIK system a surgeon uses and his or her experience and background. Here are some tips to assist you in your search for the best eye care specialist for your custom LASIK surgery.

What to Look for in a Custom LASIK Surgeon

Surgical procedures require skilled and experienced medical professionals, and laser vision correction is no exception. Being an extremely delicate procedure that will affect your vision, it requires doctors who are highly qualified. When choosing a custom LASIK surgeon, there are several factors you should consider. If possible, try to find a surgeon who:

• makes laser vision correction a major part of his/her practice.
• is involved in every step of the process, including preoperative and postoperative exams.
• explains all risks and complications to you beforehand and is willing to listen and respond in detail to your questions and concerns.
• has extensive experience and a solid reputation.

Reputation and Patient Testimonials

Prospective patients should consult any family, friends, or co-workers who have had custom LASIK and ask about their surgeons. Getting first-hand accounts of another person's surgical experience is one of the best ways to learn about a surgeon's practice as well as his or her demeanor and professionalism. If possible, it is also a good idea to ask for testimonials from previous patients. As with the account from friends, family, and co-workers, these accounts, though slanted in the surgeon's favor, can help give you a better picture of the custom LASIK surgeon you are considering.

The Importance of Credentials

A good custom LASIK surgeon will more than likely have strong experience in the field and a good reputation. A good LASIK surgeon will have attended an accredited university. Patients should ask prospective surgeons about their professional memberships, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the surgeon's state society of ophthalmology, if they have published any papers or articles, and other achievements they have made in the field.

Experience with Custom LASIK Systems

Technology such as that required to perform surgery on the eye is typically very complex, and an experienced eye care specialist is essential to the operation of such equipment. When searching for a custom LASIK surgeon, one thing prospective patients should consider is the type of technology the surgeon uses. Custom LASIK uses Wavefront™ technology, which creates a 3-D map of your eyes' irregularities in order to guide the laser in the most precise and accurate way possible. There are four main brands of custom LASIK technology:

• LADARVision® CustomCornea®
  This system focuses on precisely aligning treatment with the cornea and reshaping it bit by bit. Learn more about LADARVision® CustomCornea®.
• VISX® CustomVue™ and WavePrint™ System
  CustomVue™ systems use a variety of laser beam shapes, which can deliver extremely precise treatment. Learn more about VISX® CustomVue™ and WavePrint™ System.
• Bausch & Lomb Technolas® Zyoptix™ System
  Used in more custom LASIK operations than any other platforms, the Technolas® lasers are known for their accuracy, predictability, and ability to create smooth corneal surfaces. Learn more about Bausch & Lomb Technolas® Zyoptix™ System.
• Wavelight Allegretto Wave™ System
  The first new laser to earn U.S. approval since 1999, this system uses PerfectPulse Technology to deliver laser energy to specific areas of the cornea. Learn more about Wavelight Allegretto Wave™ System.

Patients should always ask about the particular custom LASIK system a surgeon uses, as well as how much experience the surgeon has with the technology.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Custom LASIK Surgeon

It's not usually a good idea to base your choice solely on the cost of the procedure or the geographic convenience of the surgeon's office to your home. Also, practices that have aggressive advertising and discounted prices may not be the best options. Those considering custom LASIK need to do their research about potential surgeons in order to ensure their safety as well as the effectiveness of the procedure. In short, thorough research into finding the best possible LASIK surgeon will go a long way in your decision-making, and may make you feel more at ease once you have the procedure.

Find a LASIK Eye Surgeon through DocShop

Laser vision correction is a big decision, and one of the most important steps involved is choosing the right custom LASIK surgeon. The type of LASIK system that a particular doctor uses and his or her experience with the technology, the surgeon's credentials and reputation, and previous experiences from other patients are all important factors to consider. Take a look at some of the qualified eye care specialists in your area, and find out which one you feel is the best fit for your vision needs.