You have probably heard wonderful things about the amazing outcome you can expect with LASIK eye surgery and much of what you have heard and read is probably true. However, the one thing you should always understand before any medical or surgical procedure is that results will vary from patient to patient and your doctor will be in the best position to give you what they consider to be a realistic prognosis. Having said that, some people do achieve 20/20 vision and that is something you can hope for. However, do discuss what your surgeon hopes to accomplish before getting any false expectations.
1. Your Choice of Surgeon
When it comes to surgery of any kind, it pays to know your surgeon. Not only should you have one or more consultations prior to surgery, but you should also take the time to read their website and any literature you may be given at your initial appointment. For example, when considering Visionary Eye Centre in Sherwood Park, AB, you can read their website, browse through the services they offer and even request appointments online. It’s good to know you can reach your doctor without being on hold for lengthy periods of time.
2. Make Sure to Follow All Instructions
Your doctor will give you any instructions you need before arriving for surgery. Be sure to read them and read them again so that you follow them to the letter. You are given those instructions for a reason and the success of surgery may very well depend on what you do in the time leading up to the big day.
3. You Will Not Be Under General Anesthesia
Some people don’t like the idea of being awake for surgery of any kind, even LASIK which is a type of non-invasive surgery. If you are uncomfortable with this, make sure to discuss this with your doctor prior to setting a date for surgery.
4. You May Have What Is Called a “Refractive Error”
Some patients may require a second procedure based on their eyesight. The worse a patient’s eyes are going in, the likelier it will be that they may need to go back for refinements. Again, this is something you will want to discuss with your doctor in advance. Does your doctor think you will need more than one procedure?
5. Learn About Any Possible Risks
Most patients are concerned when going into any kind of surgery, even non-invasive procedures like LASIK surgery. If you are worried about any risks, this is something you can discuss with your doctor or research online. Although complications are quite rare, every patient is different, and this is something to understand right up front. Major ‘risks’ include infection, inflammation and correction that is over or under the expected outcome.
6. Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Some patients are actually afraid to insult their doctors by asking too many questions. Remember, this is your body, and these are your eyes, so you are entitled to ask any questions you feel would make you more comfortable with the procedure and with the doctor and team you are trusting. It is your right to ask about any concerns you may have.
7. Understand Post-Op Care
As with any kind of surgery or procedure, your doctor will give you post-op instructions to follow. Make sure you understand them completely and follow them precisely as given. If you feel something isn’t right or experience any undue swelling, inflammation or pain, call your doctor immediately. As mentioned, some amount of swelling and inflammation is normal, but extremes should be seen to immediately.
8. Is LASIK Right for You?
Taking all of the above into consideration, you may be questioning whether or not LASIK surgery is right for you. From a medical perspective, if your optometrist has recommended you for this procedure, the chances are very good that you can expect a good outcome. However, just because your doctor recommended LASIK surgery, doesn’t always mean it is right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask whether there are other treatments which can yield comparable results and always ask your doctor if this is the best treatment for you. Even then, understand that the decision is in your hands and your hands alone.
A Quick Summary of What You Should Know
When all is said and done, LASIK surgery is heralded as the best thing to hit eyecare since the invention of ‘spectacles’ way back, once upon a time. It is a non-invasive procedure where once patients had to undergo the knife, and the healing rate is much faster than any other type of surgery simply because it is just that, non-invasive. If you are concerned about whether or not your healthcare covers LASIK and if not, what the cost would be, this is also something you should know in advance.
Just remember, never be afraid to ask your doctor anything that concerns you, including cost. Your rights as a patient dictate that you are entitled to any information regarding your care and this includes LASIK procedures. You’ll know it’s right for you when all your questions have been satisfied.
This is a guest blog entry.
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