Custom Wavefront LASIK
Laser Vision Correction - Los Angeles

LASIK Pop-Quiz

True of False?

1. Your choice of eye surgeon is more important than what kind of laser is used.
2. LASIK is so quick and easy; it doesn't matter where you go.
3. A surgeon who has performed more surgeries is always a better choice.
4. LASIK is a risk-free procedure.
5. After LASIK you will not need prescription lenses.
6. Glare and halos are always a permanent side effect.
7. Enhancements can be repeated until there is a perfect result.
8. 20/20 vision means perfect vision.
9. LASIK is not a medical procedure.
10. LASIK will free you from needing routine eye exams in the future.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 Furthermore, LASIK skill with the now outdated microkeratome (steel blade flap maker) is not fully applicable to the modern bladeless IntraLase LASIK technology.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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.