When Does Seeking Second Opinion for Lasik Turn Into a Necessity
Lasik operation IS surgery and just like any type of surgical procedure,
there is always the possibilities of having complications. Normally,
it is best to let the surgeon who did the operation deal with the
complications. However, for whatever reason that you no longer trust
your doctor's way of handling the treatment or if you feel there
is a more suitable solution to treat the complication, then you
should absolutely go to another doctor to look for another doctor’s
opinion. You should not think it is not proper or unethical to request
your doctor for a referral as it is normally done; or you can consult
a doctor of your own choice. Once you have selected a doctor to
go to for second opinion, you should inform your surgeon of your
resolve.
Fewer Complications Are Currently Experienced. Lasik procedure
is now the most popular method of eye surgery requested by eye patients.
More than six million people all over the world have undergone Lasik
and based on statistics, 99% conveyed satisfaction of the results
without experience and major side effects after the normal recovery
period. Previously, the figures were a little bit higher.
During the early stages of Lasik, as much as 5% of the patients
reported various kinds of side effects after the operation. As the
Lasik method was improved, the numbers of complaints have been reduced
to the present statistics. A number of reasons for the improvement
of the rates are the development of better equipment used in Lasik
procedure and the increased skills of the surgeon in using the device
as well as the process. Lasik surgeons have also widened their knowledge
in other areas, thus enabling them to better identify if the patient
is fit to have the Lasik.
You are a very good candidate for Lasik if you are young (44 years
old or less), very healthy, and whose eye defects are not severe
like farsightedness (Hyperopia) problems with reading or perceiving
objects up close, nearsightedness (Myopia) problems seeing objects
from afar and astigmatism, blurred eyesight owing to eyes which
are oddly shaped, can all be corrected with Lasik. Generally, complications
are very minor and short-term.
Lasik is not for everyone, and not everyone who wants it can undergo
it.
Refractive surgery is NOT for you if:
- You are not at ease with the idea of accompanying dangers of
Lasik as discussed by the Lasik doctor. For some patients, some
complications are not within the control of the doctor, thus it
is not avoidable.
- The ensuing complications will lay your job on the line. Some
employers are not amenable for their employees to have certain
types of eye operations.
- Corresponding expenses of Lasik will be a concern. Although
cost for Lasik surgery has considerably gone done now compared
to before, it is still an expensive procedure and generally companies
covering medical insurance do not cover this kind of eye procedure
methods which is considered a method chosen by the patient and
is non-compulsory.
- You are aggressively involved in contact sports; especially
where your head is hit and predisposed to injury
- If you are not yet an adult. The laser procedure techniques
have not been accepted by the FDA for persons below eighteen years
old.
- Your eyesight grade is very variable requiring you to change
to the prescribed grade of your eyeglasses or contact lens within
a year. "Refractive instability", as it is known is
caused by abnormal hormone levels, certain sickeness, or secondary
effects of medications taken to cure certain illnesses.
Certain illnesses and problems listed below will not qualify you
for Lasik eye surgery:
- Herpes simplex or 'shingles' that affects areas of the eye
- Eye defects like uveitis/iritis (inflammations of the eye)
- Glaucoma or ocular hypertension
- Eye damage or prior eye operations
- Keratoconus
- Blepharitis (an inflammation of the eyelids)
- Enlarged pupils
- Thin corneas
- Dry eye
If and when complications occur, often, they can be treated with
medications, laser touch-ups or enhancement surgery. Blindness is
a rare possibility and so is worsening of eyesight compared to the
eye condition before surgery.
Normal recovery period for Lasik is six months. Most side effects
should have been cleared out within six months. In cases of severe
complications waiting for six months for it to clear out might be
very long. You should already seek for an assessment by a different
capable Lasik surgeon. This decision could be the answer to resolving
severe complications or it could lead to a referral of your present
treatment. The outcome should give you an assurance and peace of
mind.
An organization has been founded to specifically address the concerns
of people experiencing problems after having Lasik operation as
well as make available to doctors additional data on Lasik side
effects. The information on Lasik side effects is available from
the CRSQA (Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance) and
their website, ComplicatedEyes.org.
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