Have you been thinking about getting LASIK? Are you trying to figure out if a LASIK consultation is something you feel prepared for?
Deciding that you want to improve your vision is a big decision. Keep reading to learn more about when you should think about having a LASIK consultation!
Research the Procedure
Understanding how LASIK works is important. When deciding to have a procedure, you want to be comfortable with it and all the requirements.
Some of the requirements you should know about are that you need to be 18 or older. This is an FDA requirement.
You also need to meet the prescription parameters to qualify for LASIK.
During LASIK, the surgeon creates a flap on the cornea. Two different lasers are then used to permanently reshape the cornea.
This is how refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are corrected. There are other vision correction options if you do not qualify for LASIK.
Think About How You’ll Afford It
As LASIK is an elective procedure, most health insurances will not cover it. That means you need to know how you’ll cover the cost before having a LASIK consultation.
You do not want to fall in love with a procedure and realize that you cannot afford it. Some options to think about are:
Flex Spending Accounts:
A lot of employers offer flex spending accounts in a benefits package. Flex spending accounts can be used for expenses like medical expenses and copayments.
You have to spend the money annually, otherwise, you lose it. If you are thinking about having LASIK, using a flex spending account is an excellent way to pay for it.
Financing Options:
Most eye care practices have financing options to make LASIK more accessible. You may also be able to set up affordable monthly payments this way.
Bonuses or Tax Refunds:
Deciding what to do with your tax refund or annual bonus is always fun. You can either spend it or save it but deciding to invest it in your health is a great option.
Using your tax refund or bonus on LASIK will change your life. Also, it can cover or reduce out of pocket expenses.
Have Any Eye Conditions Under Control
To get LASIK, you need to have healthy eyes and have all eye conditions under control. For example, if you have dry eyes, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK.
LASIK can make dry eye worse. Also, if you have any eye injuries or problems with your eyelids, LASIK is not a good option.
Glaucoma is another condition that can disqualify you from getting LASIK. The procedure can increase your eye pressure and make glaucoma worse.
Find A Good Surgeon
You want to find a good surgeon that you are comfortable with. You want to find a licensed board-certified surgeon. This means that their certification must be recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
They must also say that they are qualified to practice their specialty. If you know someone who has had LASIK and had a good experience, ask them where they went.
Getting a personal referral is much easier than sifting through online reviews. You want to have a LASIK surgeon that has the best reputation in the area.
If you’re nervous about your LASIK consultation, don’t worry! It’s normal! Make sure to ask any questions and voice any concerns about LASIK to your surgeon. The only way to have a successful procedure is by building a relationship of trust early on.
Are you ready to schedule your LASIK consultation? Schedule yours at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ today!