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Your choice of eye surgeon is more important than what kind of laser is used: True
Eye surgeons perform LASIK procedures - not machines. A laser
that is technologically advanced is certainly a requirement,
but your eye surgeon has ultimate control over your results.
Your choice of LASIK surgeon is crucial to your ultimate satisfaction.
The best-possible results are highly dependent on who is in charge
of your LASIK pre- and post-operative care, as well. A laser
cannot determine your candidacy for the procedure, evaluate whether you have realistic
expectations, or determine the suitability of the prescribed correction.
Plus, only a specifically skilled eye surgeon can assess your
response to the LASIK treatment, ensure your eyes are healing
properly and provide you with advice that is in your best interest.
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LASIK is so quick and easy; it doesn't matter where you go: False
Some advertisements, particularly from discount LASIK centers,
suggest that LASIK is the same no matter where you go. However, LASIK
is highly operator dependent - a professional service with widely
varying quality.
This is the time to look for a highly skilled LASIK surgeon.
LASIK is a specialized medical procedure, just as is heart and brain
surgery. Look for attentiveness to detail, quality of experience,
extent of personal commitment, high ethical standards, innovative
expertise, as well as a caring environment.
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A surgeon who has performed more surgeries is always a better choice: False
An eye surgeon may have performed many LASIK surgeries, but
that does not always mean that his or her skill has grown during
that time, and it is no guarantee of the level of skill to begin
with. Furthermore,
LASIK skill with the now outdated microkeratome (steel blade
flap maker) is not fully applicable to the modern bladeless IntraLase LASIK
technology.
Dr. Seibel has performed thousands of refractive eye surgeries,
including not only LASIK but also the more technically demanding
cataract surgery as well. His intense dedication to a deeper
understanding of refractive surgery and the necessity for constant
improvement are also evidenced by his
best selling textbook on eye surgery, Phacodynamics (now
in its third edition), along with his sixteen innovative surgical
instruments, including several especially designed for LASIK.
Dr. Seibel is the first surgeon to bring the combination of CustomVue and IntraLase to Los Angeles. Within a month of performing this new
procedure, he noticed the shortcomings of the traditional LASIK flap
lifting instruments and went on to invent the revolutionary Seibel
IntraLASIK Flap Lifter. His level of excellence as a LASIK surgeon is further validated
by his being selected as Director of the LASIK Skills Transfer
Courses for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
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LASIK is a risk-free: False
Although the chance of having a serious complication is much
less than 1%, LASIK is subject to the same risks associated
with other types of surgeries. Learn as much as possible about LASIK
so that you
can make an informed
decision.
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After LASIK you will not need prescription lenses: False
As with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that your
visual system is capable of achieving perfect vision, or that you will
never need glasses for distance or reading again. However, the chances
of attaining improved vision are significant, and after LASIK most
people see well enough to pass a driver's test without corrective
lenses.
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Glare and halos are always a permanent side effect: False
There are certainly treatments that an experienced doctor can
prescribe for glare and halos. As there are many potential causes of
night-vision disturbances, the best treatment requires a proper diagnosis.
Anyone experiencing night-vision problems should discuss it with a
qualified eye care professional.
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Enhancements can be repeated until there is a perfect result: False
Enhancements are useful only if vision is being limited by residual
refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism.
Sometimes, people have unrealistic expectations and do not understand
the limitations inherent in their own visual system, or in LASIK's
ability to correct. Oftentimes, even after repeated enhancements,
the eye is still likely to require some prescription to get
the very best vision possible. With each enhancement the likelihood
of a vision reducing complication is increased. Therefore, prudent
judgment must be exercised by both surgeon and patient to appropriately
weigh risks and benefits.
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20/20 vision means perfect vision: False
Much of the advertising today emphasizes getting 20/20 vision
after LASIK, though there is sometimes a better goal. Not all patients
with 20/20 vision following LASIK are happy with their results. This
is because there is much more involved with good vision than just reading
lines on a chart; there is the quality of vision to consider. Getting
improved quality of vision is the best possible outcome. During your
LASIK candidacy evaluation Dr. Seibel will discuss your unique situation and
determine how to achieve your optimum results.
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LASIK is not a medical procedure: False
LASIK is very much a medical procedure, just as is any surgery,
whether for your eyes, your heart, your brain, or any other part of
your body.
In order to maximize response, some advertising seems to compare
LASIK with receiving a haircut by setting up quick-service clinics
located within shopping malls, in order to make LASIK seem
less of a medical
procedure, in order to attract income. Despite these portrayals,
LASIK is a surgical procedure requiring highly skilled medical
judgment and
proper patient education.
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LASIK will free you
from needing routine eye exams in the future: False
Even after LASIK, routine eye exams are essential for ensuring
proper eye health regardless of refraction. These exams should include
dilation and be made every year or two, depending upon your age and
individual needs.