Why Are You Waiting To Have LASIK?

By Mark Whitten, MD

Whitten Laser Eye Associates

. http://www.whittenlasereye.com/

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Why Are You Waiting To Have LASIK?

The #1 comment from patients after LASIK surgery is “I wish I had done this sooner.” If you are like many LASIK patients, you have been thinking about having the procedure for some time. And you probably know family and friends who rave about their brand new vision.

The procedure itself is better than ever, in the hands of an experienced surgeon and with the very latest technology. So let's understand the variety of reasons why you might still be waiting to have LASIK

I Am Not Sure If I Am a Good LASIK Candidate.

It is free and easy to find out if you are a candidate. Most practices offer a free, initial consultation. The appointment is usually less than 30 minutes, and you will receive a comprehensive eye exam. Make sure you get a chance to actually meet the surgeon during this appointment.

I Was Told I Am Not a Good Candidate.

The technology used to perform the procedure has improved greatly over the last 15 years and is now better than ever. Patients, who were not considered good candidates for the procedure in the past, may now benefit from the new diagnostic testing and new laser technology to finally have LASIK. So it makes sense for you to take advantage of a free LASIK consultation to see if the procedure is now an option for you.

I Don't Know If I Can Afford LASIK.

Did you know that January, February and March are the busiest times of the year for LASIK? As with other resolutions, people decide it is finally time to stop waiting and start seeing. And many people take advantage of the savings from their Flex Spending benefits, which become available this time of year. Using these benefits can save you up to 30% by using pre-tax dollars.

Financing is also a way to have LASIK today, while you pay over time. Look for a practice that offers 0% financing for 12 months, so there is no additional cost to you.

Patients also choose to use credit cards to pay for their LASIK procedure. Many cards these days offer reward points which allow you to turn your points into cash.

Finally, you can get a highly experienced surgeon without spending the most. Paying high prices does not guarantee a better result. And LASIK prices vary greatly. If the price seems too low, it probably is. Those practices often add in pre- and post-operative costs in addition to the actual price. Make sure you know what the procedure price will be, all included. You deserve a high quality LASIK experience at a reasonable price.

I Am Worried About the Results.

LASIK is a surgical procedure. It is normal for you to want the best results possible. Today's diagnostic and laser technology is better than ever. More and more patients routinely achieve 20/20 vision or better. In addition, patients talk about having a better quality of vision, crisper and clearer.

Some patients ask if they will ever need another procedure, a touch-up or enhancement. The chance is small and in the hands of an experienced surgeon the chance decreases. For example, less than 3% of my patients ever need an enhancement and most of those occur free of charge, during the first year after surgery. Studies show that the results from LASIK are long lasting.

Your surgeon will discuss everything with you. Ask questions. The more educated you are, the more comfortable you will be moving forward with the procedure.

So maybe 2014 is your year to finally have LASIK. What are you waiting for?