San Jose Lasik Considerations
Let’s face it, LASIK is very profitable to centers that provide the service. Accordingly, they spend countless dollars on advertising. LASIK ads are everywhere you look, but how does a person know if the procedure is right for them? After all, you only have one set of eyes, and sight is likely your most coveted sense. Well, here are a ten points to consider before undergoing the refractive surgery process.
1. Why do you really want this surgery? The results of the surgery will be with you for the rest of your life, and there are no guarantees that you will not have to wear glasses. Many people still do!
2. Find an experienced surgeon. Look for a board-certified ophthalmologist. Ask your doctor direct questions about his/her experience and rate of complications. Ask if he/she will be the person caring for you after the surgery, or if you will be sent to a non-physician.
3. Know if you will need “refinements.” – It is quite possible that you will need a follow-up procedure if you are currently very nearsighted (myopic.) You should ask your doctor what the likelyhood is, and what the added risks and costs might be.
4. Know your eligibility — People whose eyes are habitually dry, or have particular corneal diseases or other eye issues should stay clear of the LASIK procedure until they know all the risks involved.
5. Know the procedure – It is quite likely you will be awake and aware of everything going on, so be sure that you have reviewed the procedure. This will help you (hopefully) be more relaxed. If you’d like, ask the physician to talk you through the procedure while he’s actually doing the surgery.
6. Consider the Odds – While most people experience improved vision (not necessarily perfect) immediately after the procedure. It is not guaranteed that you will have 20/20 or any other quality of sight. If you have a physician that promises that, start looking elsewhere.
7. It’s a riks — Surgery is surgery. “Minor eye surgery” simply does not exist. It’s your eyes we’re talking about, and they aren’t “minor.” There are possible complications to any eye surgery: overcorrection, under-correction, off centering the pupil, damage to the cornea, infection, and inflammation can leave you miserable. If you happen to be one of the 2-5% of complications, it’s 100% to you.
8. Lasik is not magic – The LASIK procedure is used to make corrections to astigmatism and nearsightedness. As you approach (if you’re not already there) mid-life you will need reading glasses just as people have in the past. There may be future LASIK advancements, but as of this writing, reading glasses are still needed for many people who have had the procedure.
9. Know the care quality after surgery – You should discuss with your partner and physician the necessary follow-up visits, as well as the eye-drop routine. This routine can play a very important role in your over-all healing process and final sight. Also, be sure to discuss limitations on physical activity while your cornea is still healing.
10. Know alternate methods – LASIK is not the only corrective surgery. There is PRK Surgery, PRK Laser Surgery, LASEK, INTACS, WAVEFRONT PRK, and others. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. You should be sure that you are choosing the best possible method for your situation.
If you are contemplating San Jose lasik, be sure to stop back by often as we discuss other areas of interest. In san Jose you can find it all; cheap lasik, lasik plus, Ellis Lasik, etc.
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Viewing The Cost of San Jose Lasik
Let’s face it, cheap lasik is not only a scary thought, it probably doesn’t even exist. Even though a person shops around for the best price, a reputable San Jose lasik provider will likely charge anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000 by the time the full treatment is complete. Much of the added expense is due to follow-up visits over the twelve month period after the initial procedure. These follow-up visits are appropriate so the doctor can monitor the healing process. Also, it is a time for the patient to bring specific concerns to the ophthalmologist’s attention (dry eyes, itching, etc.)
Its important to do your due diligence before committing to lasik surgery. Some of the following ideas might help save a few bucks, without risking the quality of your treatment:
First, shop around. Yes, you will find quite a price range even among the San Jose lasik facilities. The Bay Area is famous for it’s “high-tech,” and laser centers have capitalized on that image (by touting the latest and greatest wave-front lasik scanners, PRK surgery, lasik plus, etc. ) but, don’t let that justify paying the highest price for your procedure. Each lasik machine is approved by the FDA before it can be used to treat people. Just because one laser center splashes the media about their machine doesn’t mean that it is any better than another office with the same machine.
Secondly, consider the total cost of the lasik procedure. Timing both your treatment and your follow-up visits can prove to be either a considerable savings or expense. If you know your schedule in advance, it may be worth taking the time to arrange time-off before and after your procedure so you don’t have any “opportunity costs” (lost sales, etc.) or unnecessary travel expenses (hotels, airfare, rental car, etc.)
Finally, be realistic about your “need” for the lasik procedure. Will it really free you from having to wear glasses? Will you still need glasses to read? Do you work at a computer, where it is likely that you will still need to wear glasses most of the day? These are all legitimate questions to consider before having a lasik surgery. There is substantial evidence online, that supports the argument for simply wearing glasses. Many people who have had the surgery still have to wear glasses.
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