When looking into getting LASIK eye surgery, it’s natural to hunt around for the best deals. In fact, some people travel overseas to get access to cheap laser eye surgery, a questionable undertaking known as medical tourism. But according to the old adage, you get what you pay for. And when it comes to your eyesight, it’s not something you want to mess around with.
How Important is Surgeon Experience for LASIK Success?
In almost every trade and industry, experience counts. Can you think of the first time you ever tried cooking a certain dish compared to the fifth time you made the same dish? Provided you’re not a hopeless cook, the fifth time should have tasted much better than the first!
An ophthalmologist who has performed more LASIK operations will be better at:
Performing a thorough pre-operative assessment
Not all eyes are suitable for LASIK surgery, such as those with thin corneas, pre-existing dry eye disease, or limited vision from another eye condition such as macular degeneration. LASIK and other refractive procedures have also been known to worsen binocular vision dysfunction, which are a group of disorders where your two eyes don’t work together well, leading to headaches, eyestrain, or double vision. A less experienced eye surgeon may overlook subtle details important to your LASIK eligibility that could increase your risk of a complication or dissatisfaction with the final outcome.
Performing the actual procedure
An experienced baker knows exactly how many times to fold the dough without over-kneading it. Not to compare your eyes to cake batter, but the same can be said of eye surgery. One study comparing LASIK surgery performed by experienced surgeons versus trainees reported that early post-op complications were lower in the experienced surgeon group. The experienced surgeons also demonstrated greater precision in creating the corneal flap, resulting in a thinner average thickness. And while no surgeon (experienced or novice) can promise perfect results, an eye surgeon with more LASIK procedures under their belt is less likely to over- or under-correct your prescription during the operation.
Communicating the expected outcome and risk of complications
Because they have seen through more real-life cases compared to another refractive surgeon just starting out, an experienced LASIK surgeon will be better at preempting problems, taking steps to mitigate the risk, and explaining to you what to expect. Someone who has discussed the LASIK procedure more times will also be better at answering your questions before you’ve even asked them, because they know what’s important to you as a patient.
Tips for Choosing a LASIK Surgeon
Someone who’s been in the game for longer, like Dr. Franz Michel, will have a reputation and referrals. This way you at least have an idea before you walk into their clinic, compared to a new surgeon that no one can vouch for yet.
In addition to having years of experience in performing LASIK, a good LASIK surgeon should:
- Be proactive in discussing the risks and potential complications of the procedure, not minimizing or downplaying them
- Be realistic when discussing your chances of success, never guaranteeing perfect results
- Be transparent in their pricing, including the cost of a retreatment should you experience regression
- Be a board-certified ophthalmologist with the American Board of Ophthalmology
With something as important as your vision, it pays to do your research when selecting your LASIK surgeon. If you know of a friend, family member, or colleague who has had LASIK eye surgery themselves, it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a recommendation. Entrust your corneas into the right hands to maximize your chances of success.