Be Prepared for Laser Eye Surgery by Asking Your Doctor

So you have finally made the decision to permanently correct your myopic vision through laser eye surgery. Once you have undergone this surgery, you will never be wearing “eye crutches” ever again-that is, according to their advertisements. Because of the results they promise, specialists can afford to ask a substantial amount of money for it. Given this hefty investment, you would want to make sure that you will get the results you are expecting. Here are some questions to ask your doctor to see how you can prepare for this procedure and have confidence in its success:

1. What is your experience with this type of surgery?

Make sure to entrust your eyes to someone who has been performing this surgery on many patients already, and also make sure that the cases were successful. Another basis for assessing expertise is the school the doctor attended; it should be a reputable and internationally accredited school for laser eye surgeries.

2. How much is the procedure and are there flexible payment scheme options to choose from?

It’s a well-known fact that the procedure is expensive. Unfortunately, it is not covered by your health insurance, so you will have to find some way to pay for it. Determine the total cost from the doctor before you choose to have the surgery in that clinic. You can also ask if they offer installment payment options so that the cost can be divided into more affordable charges spread over several months or even a year. Inquiring about this from several clinics will make you realize that some places are more expensive and/or more flexible in payment options than others.

3. What is to be expected during and after surgery?

Most people would want to know what they are really getting themselves into before signing any consent for the eye specialist to do a particular treatment, especially so with eye surgery. Know all the details involved before, during, and after, especially possible side effects that could happen because of the procedure. Where are there are confusing points, make sure to ask and clarify before giving consent.

4. What preparations should you do before the surgery to ensure its success?

This is a question that is usually asked once consent is given. You will be given instructions on how to prepare yourself for surgery. You will be requested not to wear contact lenses for at least three days before to give your eyes a break. Don’t put on eye makeup or hair accessories on the day of surgery, as these could hinder the procedure in one way or another. Eat a light meal only before the procedure because this procedure does make use of some kind of anesthesia.