If you’ve used glasses and contacts for years and have just started considering the different procedures including LASIK eye surgery, the whole thing might seem exciting and overwhelming. Before you choose a surgeon, however, you should be sure that LASIK in Orange County fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your eyes. Here are a few things to think about before signing up for a consultation.
How Much Correction Does Your Vision Need?
People with mild nearsightedness tend to experience the most benefit from LASIK surgery. Vision in these patients is often corrected to 20/25 or better. Patients with high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism experience less predictable benefits from LASIK, but it can still be a good option for them. If you require significant vision correction, be sure to ask your surgeon what he or she will do to accommodate that during surgery.
Is Your Lifestyle Right For LASIK?
Police officers, active duty military, professional sports players, or those who are avid participants in contact sports such as boxing and other martial arts should mention their lifestyle to their surgeon. All of these jobs or hobbies involve the possibility of blows to the eye or face. After LASIK surgery, there is a slight risk that a blow to the eye could disrupt or tear the flap of tissue that is formed during the surgery. While small, the risk may cause your surgeon to suggest a different surgery to correct your vision if you have a particularly active lifestyle.
Are Your Eyes Healthy?
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you may be thinking, “of course my eyes aren’t healthy–I’m nearsighted!” When eye doctors discuss eye health, however, they’re not talking about whether you have refractive error. Instead, they’re considering diseases and injuries of the eye, such as:
- infection
- glaucoma
- cataracts
- keratoconus
- eye injuries
If your vision problems are caused or aggravated by a disease or injury, LASIK might not be appropriate for you. Don’t be discouraged, however. For some disorders, such as cataracts, other treatment is available that can help.
Considering the Cost
Most medical insurance doesn’t cover the cost of LASIK surgery. If you and your surgeon have determined that you’re a good candidate for laser surgery, take the time to sit down and go over your financial options. LASIK surgery isn’t as expensive as it used to be, and most facilities will work with you to make paying for LASIK doable.
Ready to Go Ahead
Once you’ve thought about each of the issues mentioned above, jot down any questions you might have for your surgeon before you schedule your LASIK consultation. Together, you and your surgeon can decide which type of vision correction is best for you, and ensure that you will enjoy good eyesight and healthy eyes for many years to come.
