Finding the right LASIK provider can be an overwhelming task.
At 20/20 Institute, we understand. Many of our patients tell us that lots of other LASIK providers in Denver are making lots of superlative claims.
The best this, the latest that.
If many LASIK providers are claiming their doctors and their laser technology is the best out there, what are the most effective ways for you to cut through all the confusion?
We offer up three basic strategies to help you select the right LASIK provider for your LASIK procedure.
Look for an excellent track record
In medical procedures, past success doesn’t guarantee future results. However, it’s a good indicator of what you can expect from a medical provider.
So, start by asking for a LASIK provider’s specific outcome results. Not national averages, but the actual results of that clinic and their doctors on previous patients with similar preoperative parameters to your own. Even better, find LASIK providers that share their surgical results on their website or at your LASIK evaluation.
At 20/20 Institute, 99 percent of our patients achieved 20/20 or better vision when tabulating the results of ALL patients that had LASIK with us in this past calendar year.
Trust your gut
When screening potential LASIK providers, pay attention to your entire experience.
From the very first phone call, all the way through your LASIK evaluation, you’ll be given many clues to the type of LASIK provider you’re visiting.
Listen and look for things like how knowledgeable and attentive the staff is. Is the environment rushed and chaotic or is it relaxing and organized? Do you feel like a number or do you feel cared for?
At the end of the day, you’ll know when the environment is right for you if you pay attention to the details.
Ask around and check online reviews
We ask for help from friends and family when we make important, life changing decisions.
LASIK is one of those decisions.
Ask your friends or family if they or anyone they know have had LASIK. If they have, ask what they thought of their provider, why they chose them, how happy they are with the results. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they liked the most and the least about their LASIK experience.
If no one you know had LASIK, then online reviews a can be insightful. When looking at online reviews it’s another time to pay attention to the details.
A provider with overall rating of 4.9 or 5.0 stars may be quite different than one with an overall star rating of 4.2 or 4.3 stars. Again, look for clues in the small details.
Technology and Care
While having the latest technology and a commitment to patients’ care is essential, we believe that a provider’s overall experience is key to patients achieving their desired outcome.
Everyone’s eyesight is unique. You want to find an experienced LASIK team that can determine if LASIK is best for you and has extensive experience in the procedure.
Not all LASIK surgeons are medical doctors, and not all doctors have the same level of expertise. One study found strong evidence that experience accumulated by surgeons as a group in a clinic significantly improves outcomes.
Important Things to Know About LASIK
- All medical procedures have some
risk , although LASIK is among the safest elective procedures in the world. The risk of serious complications is less than one percent. - There are different types of LASIK for different types of vision correction.
- Today, the very largest range of prescriptions can be treated with LASIK, even complex prescriptions and astigmatism.
- A common side effect of LASIK is temporary dry eyes (especially in Colorado), which is why we perform tests before your procedure to determine if you currently have dry eyes and if that will negatively impact your procedure. For example, contact lenses, ocular allergies
and other health issues can contribute to dry eye. - LASIK technology has improved significantly over the years, which is why we recommend that you select a doctor using the latest FDA approved technology.
Here is What to Expect at 20/20 Institute in Denver
20/20 Institute is focused on your best possible visual outcome as our number one priority. Our patients’ convenience and schedules, not our doctors, is how we have chosen to design our office environments.
We’re dedicated to answering all of your questions – even if you select another LASIK provider.
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