Laser eye surgery is a common procedure that involves reshaping of the surface of the eye using precision laser tools. According to the Australian Institute of Eye Surgery, the aim of this medical procedure is to correct vision-related problems such as astigmatism, long-sightedness, and short-sightedness. Continue reading to learn how to select the best laser eye surgeon in Sydney.
Credentials
Look for a surgeon who has successfully completed training and acquired certification/operating license from the relevant authorities. In general, laser eye surgery is a specialty within the field of ophthalmology meaning the right surgeon must have completed studies in the same field and undergone refractive surgery training as well. It is worth noting that refractive surgery encompasses both non-laser and laser-based vision correction. Make sure your surgeon enrolled in training programs recognized/endorsed by reputable bodies including the Medical Board of Australia as well as The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).
Laser Equipment
Select a surgeon with modern laser surgery equipment. This includes computer-guided laser machines fitted with small and extremely fine blades called microkeratomes that are usually used to make precise incisions.
Eye Surgery Options
Choose a surgeon who offers several laser eye surgery options. Some of the options available to patients in Australia include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), and Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Each of these options has its own pros and cons. As such, you should evaluate these carefully before undergoing surgery. For instance, LASIK is the most popular laser-based procedure used to correct vision. However, it could cause a rare condition called ectasia (bulging of the cornea).
Cost
Find a surgeon who can give you detailed breakdown of laser surgery expenses. In general, the cost of this procedure ranges from $1,500 to $3,700. Unfortunately, most health insurers in Sydney do not cover this cost although a few cover a small percentage of the total cost. For this reason, it is advisable to contact your health insurer to find out what is and is not covered.
Reputation
Go for a surgeon with a good reputation across board. This means a surgeon who is renowned as experienced, an excellent communicator, and has a high laser surgery success rate. Luckily, you can determine the reputation of a surgeon who conducts laser eye surgery in Sydney by visiting forums dedicated to medical issues or checking social media posts submitted by former patients.More importantly, look for a surgeon who is a member of well-known and reputable professional bodies. Such a surgeon is likely to abide by a strict code of conduct.
Conclusion
Some of the key considerations when searching for a LASIK surgeon include cost, reputation, credentials, laser surgery equipment and treatment options.
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