5 Things to Consider Before Getting LASIK in NYC

The eyes are the body’s source of vision and one of its five sense organs. Some consider them the most important of them all, and while this is up for debate, they are very important because they enable the following:

Occupational Safety
Learning/Education
Independence
Social Interactions
Mental Health
Recreational Activities

Generally, a good eyesight contributes immensely to an individual’s quality of life. For various conversations on this subject, you can see: https://www.quora.com/.

Vision correction surgeries such as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (otherwise known as “LASIK”) have given hope to some people dealing with poor eyesight in NYC. However, there are important things to know about this vision correction surgery, especially for those considering it. Read on as this article exposes some of these things.

What to Know Before Getting LASIK in New York City

Thankfully, some of the nation’s best facilities for LASIK vision correction surgery are located in Long Island and NYC. However, people hoping to make the most of what these NYC health facilities have to offer in this regard need to be aware of certain things, including:

The Issue of Candidacy

The truth is that this procedure is not suitable for everyone dealing with vision problems, even though it is a pathway out of vision problems for many people. As a result, there is a need to ascertain whether or not one is a suitable candidate for such a procedure.

Eye health, age, and prescription stability are some of the factors that determine one’s eligibility for LASIK. Speaking of age, for instance, the general rule is that it is not ideal for people below the age of 18. Furthermore, experts advise people with conditions like thin corneas, dry eyes, and certain autoimmune disorders not to undergo this surgery.

In addition to these general rules, doctors must thoroughly diagnose patients to determine accurately their eligibility for this procedure. So, people considering this procedure should undergo a comprehensive eye assessment to ensure the best outcome.

Surgeon’s Reputation

Besides being one of the most effective vision correction surgeries, LASIK is also renowned for being one of the safest. However, there is still the need to be very mindful of who performs this procedure. As a result, having highly capable surgeons perform this procedure should be non-negotiable.

Experience also matters a lot. For example, it makes a lot of sense to have Lasik in NYC conducted by surgeons that have practical experience in top facilities. The wealth of experience, training, and access to top infrastructures in such settings increases their chances of being better surgeons.

Generally speaking, there are some things to look out for to ensure highly competent and experienced surgeons are engaged for this purpose. Some of them include the surgeon’s:

Credentials
Professional Expertise
Years of Experience
Board Certifications
Reviews and Testimonials from Credible Sources

You should also schedule consultations before deciding to choose any surgeon for this procedure. Scheduling consultations with several surgeons is strongly advised, as this allows for a reasonable comparison of their services.

By the way, a poorly performed procedure possess a lot of risks. Ranging from mild to severe, some of the complications that may arise include:

Infection
Visual Distortions
Dry Eyes
Flap Complications
Overcorrection/Undercorrection
Regression
Sensitivity to Light
Corneal Ectasia
Haze/Opacity
Need for Reoperation
Chronic Eye Problems
Permanent Loss of Vision

While the above-listed are physical (specifically vision-related) health complications, mental health complications can arise. Emotional distress as a result of dealing with any of the above-listed is a huge possibility. All these further buttress the need to have highly capable and experienced surgeons conducting this surgery.

Equipment & Technology

A successful LASIK surgery outcome also depends on the health facility’s quality in terms of available equipment and technology. Using the latest equipment and technologies for this procedure improves both its effectiveness and safety.

Using state-of-the-art equipment also contributes to personalized treatment and speedy recovery. So, avoid poorly-equipped options.

For instance, find out the kind of laser used for the critical task of corneal flap creation and cornea reshaping. The availability of advanced options such as femtosecond lasers will show that the facility has the latest equipment and technologies.

Potential Side Effects

LASIK is one of the safest vision correction surgeries, as pointed out earlier. Be that as it may, there are still risks and potential side effects, some more/less common than others. Some common side effects include:

Glare
Halos
Sensitivity to Light
Dry Eyes

These common side effects are usually resolved over time. Some other side effects that rarely occur include:

Vision Regression
Infection
Flap Issues

The chances of experiencing the above-listed are slim. This is especially true if the examination properly determined eligibility for this procedure. This further emphasizes the need for proper diagnosis before undergoing this procedure.

Post-Operative Care

Experiencing full recovery is not just down to how well the surgery went. It is also about how well post-operative care is handled. Some of the general instructions one should adhere to include the following:

Use of Eye Drops – As instructed by one’s surgeon
Preventing Eye Strain – By avoiding watching TV, reading, and using digital devices for the first few days
Preventing Corneal Flap Dislodgement – You should not rub your eyes for this reason
Getting Sufficient Rest
Avoid Water Exposure – Water exposure can happen through swimming and bathing
Hydration – Drink enough water
Attend Appointment with your Surgeon

These are some of the common post-operative care instructions. You can click here for more information on this subject.

Conclusion

Although LASIK surgery is very effective, you should be careful of exaggerations as there are several out there. For example, full recovery takes several weeks as opposed to statements claiming that it takes hours or only a few days. That said, significant improvement should happen within a day.

Knowledge of the process of this effective vision correction surgery ensures that you can tell facts from exaggerations. This is why some of the things to know about this procedure have been discussed here, and you are to seek further professional opinion before considering this procedure.