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LASIK Eye Surgery in the United States |
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The LASIK procedure is a method of eye surgery that's growing in popularity across North America, in Canada, as well as in the United States, and to a lesser degree in Mexico. It's interesting to note, however, that many of the regulations governing LASIK surgery treatments differ between countries. In the United States, the patient must be particularly aware of the reliability of any clinic performing LASIK eye surgery.
There are important points to consider when choosing a LASIK center in the United States or Canada, including:
* Reputation of the company
* Size of the optical zone of treatment
* Experience
* Cost
Experience is an absolute necessity in the LASIK surgeon you choose. After all, this is your eyesight, and you don't want to trust it to just anyone. The United States is home to many qualified and experienced doctors who have been performing LASIK procedures for many years.
Of course, you also want to choose a reputable clinic that employs skilled ophthalmologists. You may pay less for the same LASIK procedure as performed by a less skilled ophthalmologist, but the extra price can be well worth the experience, training and precise equipment that higher-priced doctor can provide. On the other hand, just because a LASIK eye surgery center is more expensive, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will offer the best treatment. That's why experience, reputation and the size of the optical zone treatment should also be factored in to the equation. In the United States, the size of the operable optical zone is 6.5 mm. In Canada, the treatable optical zone size is more restricted, at 5.5 mm. The FDA regulates the type of eyes that can undergo LASIK surgery in the United States. There are no such restrictions in Canada.
Before looking for a reputable clinic to perform your LASIK eye surgery, you'll first need to determine if you are indeed an ideal candidate for this type of procedure. If any of the following points are true to your personal circumstance, then you are probably NOT a good candidate for refractive surgery:
* Risk: There is a certain amount of risk involved with LASIK eye surgery. Some unavoidable complications can arise in a certain percentage of patients. If you're not a risk taker, LASIK might not be your best option.
* Career: Some refractive procedures are prohibited in certain occupations. Check with your employer, professional society, union or military regulations before undergoing LASIK eye surgery. Otherwise, you may be jeopardizing your career.
* Cost: This can be a major issue. LASIK refractive surgery is expensive, and most medical insurance plans will not provide funds for the procedure.
* Healing: Certain medications (retinoic acid and steroids) and medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (HIV) or diabetes, can impede or prevent proper healing after LASIK surgery.
* Sports: Be prepared to put your participation in contact sports on hold. Boxing, wrestling, martial arts and other activities in which you might risk blows to the face and eyes must be avoided until the LASIK surgery has fully healed.
* Age: LASIK eye surgery in the United States is not approved for those under the age of 18.
* Eyesight Change: Some people find that their eyesight changes over time. If your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses changed in the past year, you may have a condition called refractive instability. This is of particular concern to the following groups of patients:
- Those in their early 20s or younger
- Patients who experience a fluctuation in hormones as a result of conditions such as diabetes
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients taking medications. Some medications can cause fluctuations in vision, and these patients are more likely to have refractive instability. If you're taking any medication, discuss the possible additional risks with their doctor.
LASIK surgery can provide wonderful results for the majority of patients, but it's certainly not a cure-all for everyone. Speak to your doctor, and if he or she agrees that you are a good candidate, then you can begin your search for the right clinic.
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