Lasik surgery: choosing a doctor, what to consider
To ensure the best possible results with Lasik, consumers must select a good doctor. The best ones screen patients thoroughly and don't hesitate to turn people away when the procedure isn't right for them. Before the operation, physicians should always measure corneal thickness and examine the cornea's surface contour using corneal topography. They should also spend time educating their patients about the procedure. A good doctor will discuss not only the benefits Lasik has to offer but also all of the potential risks.
Unfortunately, aggressive marketing of Lasik leads many people to shop doctors based on price alone. "Lasik has become a commodity," says Dr. Jayne Weiss, director of refractive surgery at the Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine. "It's no longer viewed as a medical procedure by many." In fact, many experts have expressed concerns about the manner in which the surgery is being marketed to the public and tighter restrictions may be imposed in the future.
-- Valerie Ulene
