Finding a Lasik Surgeon

Only ophthalmologists (Eye MDs) are permitted to perform Lasik. Ask your Eye MD or optometrist for a referral to an Eye MD who performs Lasik. The AAO website (geteyesmart.org) has a feature that can provide you with a list of their members who perform Lasik. Ninety-five percent of all ophthalmologists are AAO members. The International Society of Refractive Surgery website (LocateAnEyeDoc.com) also has names of refractive surgeons.

Ask your surgeon the following questions:

• How long have you been doing Lasik surgery?

• How much experience do you have with the Lasik procedure?

• How do you define success? What’s your success rate? What is the chance for me (with my correction) to achieve 20/20? How many of your patients have achieved 20/20 or 20/40 vision? How many patients return for retreatments? (A five to 15 percent return is not unusual.)

• What laser will you be using for my surgery?  Make sure your surgeon is using a laser approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit: http//www.fda.gov/cdrh/LASIK for more information.

• What’s involved in after-surgery care?

• Who will handle my after-surgery care? Who  will be responsible?

• What are the risks and possible complications?