If you have made the decision to have LASIK eye surgery, the next step is to select a surgeon to perform the operation. With so many options, it can be confusing to know where to look or what you are looking for.
Below, Dr. Ernest Kornmehl reveals what he feels are the most important qualities in a LASIK surgeon.
Experience
The number one indicator of a qualified LASIK eye surgeon is experience. The best LASIK surgeons have many years of experience and have performed thousands or tens of thousands of procedures. When planning to have laser eye surgery, you want to choose someone who has a lot of experience and who keeps their skills honed by performing the procedure regularly.
Great Communication Skills
If this is your first eye surgery, you probably have a number of questions for your LASIK surgeon. Look for someone who takes the time to explain every aspect of the procedure and makes you feel at ease. Your surgeon should make themselves accessible to you even after your consultation if you think of a question or an issue you would like to discuss. Their staff should be friendly, welcoming and professional.
Good Reputation
A great LASIK surgeon will have lots of happy patients who want to spread the word about their great experience via online directories, review sites like Yelp or by word of mouth. Although you should not base your decision on reviews alone, it is generally a good sign if your surgeon has many positive online reviews.
Leading Technology
The quality of the technology used during LASIK surgery influences the overall outcome. Today’s LASIK surgeons have access to state-of-the-art technology that can map your entire eye and corneal topography prior to surgery and tailor your treatment to the unique imperfections of your eye. Make sure your surgeon offers all-laser LASIK with wavefront technology and is very knowledgeable about the ins and out of this equipment.
In the end, who you select to perform your LASIK will come down to a gut feeling. You may meet a surgeon who looks great “on paper” but does not earn your complete confidence or leaves you feeling as though something is off. If you are not 100 percent confident in your choice of surgeon, keep looking.
To schedule an appointment with Boston LASIK surgeon Ernest Kornmehl, please email our practice today.