The first and most important consideration in having a successful laser vision correction is the eye doctor. Choose a competent surgeon with ample experience. Not only should the doctor be fully qualified but he or she should also be responsive to the needs of the patient. The doctor should be comfortable to talk with and have a high level of trust. Since laser treatment is very popular, it will not be difficult to find someone who has undergone the procedure. Ask around for referrals and information regarding the outcome of the surgery as well as the feedback on the eye surgeon. Friends, family, coworkers, colleagues, and neighbors would prove invaluable in collecting facts and opinions. Proper diagnostic testing is also a decisive step in the success of the procedure. The clinic staff and the doctor should do a thorough history taking, eye assessment, and measurement. There should be a full comprehensive examination to determine the suitability of the patient for laser surgery. Corneal thickness measurements are done since patients with very thin corneas may not make good candidates for laser surgery such as LASIK. Because the successful outcome of the surgery depends on reshaping the cornea, it is imperative to also have an accurate measurement of vision. Contact lenses should not be worn at least three days prior to evaluation to let the eye doctor collect data based on the true vision of the patient. Those who wear glasses or contacts should have had stable vision or a stable prescription for at least one year. This is to make sure that the shape of the eye does not change and that vision remains stable. There are also tear film tests that help determine if the patient is a good candidate for laser treatment. If tears are not optimal, surgery may be delayed until such time that this can be corrected though medications or mechanical means. If dry eye condition is severe, this can add to irritation and blurry vision. Tear production is important because proper eye lubrication will aid in successful healing of the eyes. Examination of the pupil size, both nighttime and daytime will be useful in devising the surgical plan. There should be not current eye infections and there should be no injuries to the eyes within a year of the examination. Make sure that the surgeon personally does the evaluation and not rely entirely on non medical clinical staff. Equipment is also important in laser surgery. All technological devices used in laser vision correction should be approved by the MHRA, as should all devices used for medical purposes in the UK. MHRA is an acronym for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Each laser brand is slightly different but it is important to know that the results will be more dependent on the skill, judgment, experience, and quality of care of the surgeon. The clinical outcomes between various brands of lasers are subtle. The suitability of the patient for the procedure and the proper assessment prior to surgery is also the more significant factor. The best equipment would be worthless if the surgeon is not proficient and if the preoperative appraisal of the patient is inaccurate or incomplete. What is very significant is the state of the laser system being used. Equipment should be regularly serviced and properly maintained. The medical devices should be in full functioning condition, maintained on a regular basis, and certified by the manufacturer. The age of the patient also plays a role in the success of the laser treatment. It is not normally recommended for people under the age of 18 to undergo this procedure. This is because the shape of the eye continues to change. There is really no upper age limit for laser surgery. Even the elderly can choose to have this procedure although older adults are more likely to choose refractive surgery, which is more practical during the later stages. Choose a laser center that will provide the best surgery and quality equipment. An eye clinic will only be as good as their doctors so it is important to research on the eye surgeon as well. Look for a clinic that is dedicated to the desired procedure and choose only when a number of clinics have been visited. Summing up, laser vision correction is an exciting opportunity for people of all ages who wish to have better eyesight without having to wear glasses and contact lenses. Before finally deciding on eye surgery, ensure that the medical equipment is maintained regularly and that the eye surgeons are highly qualified.
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