 Five Critical Questions to Ask When Considering LASIK Surgery
1. What level of experience should a qualified LASIK surgeon have?
Experienced refractive surgeons believe the defining experience threshold is one thousand LASIK procedures.
2. What technology is used for LASIK surgery?
New innovations in laser eye surgery are made constantly. The Crosby Eye Clinic uses a fixed-site - Fourth Generation Nidek Laser. This stationary laser is housed in our laser suite and is used only for laser procedures. We believe it critically important to have the finest, up-to-date, proven technology for our patients.
LASIK has come a long way over the last ten years. Fortunately, our laser manufactuer provides routine maintenance and prompt installations of updated software to give all our patients the latest technology available.
3. Should I ask for the clinic's LASIK results when researching a prospective eye clinic for LASIK surgery?
Most certainly! Ask how many LASIK procedures the surgeon(s) has performed and what the outcomes have been. The surgeons at Crosby Eye Clinic have performed over 25,000 of refractive surgeries on patients with a wide range of prescriptions. Most of these patients now see well enough to legally drive without prescription eyewear. Our patients are so satisfied with their results they send their friends and family members to us.
4. Why do LASIK surgery prices vary among practices? There are multiple pricing strategies used nation-wide by LASIK clinics. Some LASIK providers use what's called tiered pricing . In tiered pricing the cost of LASIK surgery is advertised for hundreds of dollars less than the national average. This price is varied based on the level of correction needed. For example, slight nearsightedness requires little correction and is quoted at a nominal price. This price is then advertised as "the going rate" for LASIK at that clinic. However, most patients do not fit this minimal criteria and pay more based on a higher degree of correction. In many cases, only 2% of the population will qualify for the advertised price. Most will end up paying much more than originally advertised. The Crosby Eye Clinic does not believe tiered pricing is fair to the patient.
Be careful and know exactly what is included in the clinic's fees. At the Crosby Eye Clinic, we have one low price per eye; this includes 9 months of follow up care. The only additional charge is the evaluation, which is often covered by insurance.
5. What type of a surgical approach achieves the best LASIK results?
Experience and Team Work!
Experienced surgeons employing a team approach when providing LASIK surgery get the best results. The careful selection of the LASIK team members means consistent results, not possible in other settings. People who work together on a daily basis gain trust and confidence in one another. The technicians at The Crosby Eye Clinic are permanently employed by our clinic and work here every day. They do not travel from clinic to clinic working with a different staff once or twice a day. Like any team, time and experience leads to a "gelling effect" as team members anticipate needs and evolve to work as a single entity.
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