Important Questions to Ask Your LASIK Surgeon

Finding a surgeon who is experienced and knowledgeable in the LASIK procedure can help you feel more comfortable and confident about your decision to undergo surgery. Finding answers to the questions below can help you determine who is best qualified to perform your LASIK surgery. These questions and answers are meant to guide you in choosing a surgeon. It is important to know that actual answers to these questions will vary from surgeon to surgeon.

How long have you been performing the LASIK procedure?

Patients should select a surgeon who has at least three years of experience in performing LASIK surgery.

How many LASIK procedures have you performed in the last two years?

An experienced surgeon will have performed at least 500 LASIK surgeries within the past two years.

What percentage of your patients achieve 20/40 vision or better after undergoing LASIK surgery?

It is considered normal for about 90 percent of a surgeon’s patients to achieve 20/40 vision or better after undergoing LASIK surgery, according to the Quality Standards Advisory Committee (QSAC). If your surgeon gives you a higher number, you should ask for evidence of this claim.

What percentage of your patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after undergoing LASIK surgery?

According to the QSAC, about 50 percent of a surgeon’s patients who have undergone LASIK surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better. Again, if your surgeon gives you a higher percentage, ask for proof. Keep in mind that the likelihood of regaining 20/20 vision will be lower for people with severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

What percentage of your patients still experience LASIK complications six months after undergoing LASIK surgery?

Patients should understand that no doctor is perfect, and there is always a chance for complications to arise after LASIK surgery. According to the QSAC, the average percentage of a surgeon’s patients who experience complications after six months is 3 percent. You should be cautious if your surgeon gives you a lower percentage or says that complications almost never happen.

What percentage of your patients undergo an additional LASIK procedure to achieve clear vision?

The average percentage of a surgeon’s patients who undergo an additional LASIK surgery procedure should be under 10 percent. However, when discussing this with your surgeon, it is more important to ask why the enhancement surgeries were performed instead of how many there were. You should also find out what your surgeon’s viewpoint is when it comes to performing a second LASIK surgery.

What type of LASIK technology do you offer?

Some LASIK patients prefer that their surgeon use a specific type of laser system during surgery. While it is important to know what type of LASIK technology your surgeon uses and understand the entire LASIK surgery process, it is more important to become familiar with a surgeon’s track record. It is far better to choose a surgeon who uses older technology but has extensive experience than a surgeon with the most modern LASIK technology but very little experience.

Have you ever denied a LASIK candidate?

A surgeon may not know off-hand how many of his or her patients were denied LASIK surgery, but prospective LASIK patients should be concerned if a surgeon’s answer is none. LASIK surgery should only be performed when a patient is considered a good candidate for the procedure. Therefore, a surgeon should use ample discretion when screening prospective LASIK patients.

How much does the LASIK procedure cost?

The cost of LASIK surgery can vary based on the severity of your refractive error, the surgeon’s level of experience, the type of technology used, and the area of the country in which the procedure is to be performed. LASIK surgery typically ranges between $499 and $2,500 per eye. Prospective LASIK patients should not risk compromising their results by selecting a surgeon who is less trained or has lower-quality equipment over a more expensive, but more reputable and experienced, professional.

Do you offer any financing plans?

Since LASIK surgery is considered an elective procedure, it is not usually covered by insurance providers. Because of this, most surgeons offer a variety of LASIK financing plans for those who cannot afford to make the full payment up front. These plans allow the patient to break up the cost into smaller and more affordable monthly payments. Patients should talk to their surgeon about flexible spending accounts and finance options through companies like Capital One® and CareCredit®. Your surgeon can help determine the best financing option for your LASIK surgery.

Find a Laser Vision Correction Surgeon in Your Area

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine which surgeon is the most qualified to perform your LASIK surgery. DocShop has a list of highly-trained and qualified LASIK surgeons in your area who can answer all of these questions and more.