Avoid the 6 most common mistakes when deciding to have LASIK!
Mistake #1: Choosing a LASIK surgeon based on a low price
This is the number one mistake to avoid! LASIK isn’t cheap, but it is affordable. Doctors offering LASIK at a low or discount price are able to do so for a few reasons:
- They are often inexperienced and offering a lower price in order to gain patient experience — in other words, you are part of their learning curve.
- They are using older technology from 10-15 years ago, which causes problems like poor night vision or glare from lights at night.
- They have limited diagnostic equipment to determine if you are actually a good candidate for the procedure.
- They charge extra for medications, post-op care, and enhancements.
Don’t fall into this trap! Choose a surgeon based on experience, technology, and outstanding patient care — not price. Dr. Manger decided years ago that he was not willing to discount LASIK at the expense of patient care and surgical outcomes. We offer the most advanced technology, the most comprehensive exam in the industry, and a proven track record of outstanding results: 99.7% of Dr. Manger’s patients see 20/20 or better after surgery. It is unlikely you will find results similar to these at a discount LASIK center.
Mistake #2: Choosing a LASIK surgeon who has multiple offices
Many LASIK surgeons are so busy running between multiple offices, they don’t have time to actually take care of patients. You may not even meet the surgeon until you walk into the laser suite for surgery, and you may be “farmed out” to an outside doctor for post-op care. Many of these centers are unable to perform all the necessary testing to ensure you are a good candidate for LASIK as their equipment is spread throughout multiple locations.
At Saddleback Eye Center, Dr. Manger has every patient undergo a thorough, 14-test exam to determine their candidacy for LASIK. He personally examines every patient and performs every surgery. You will have a sense of confidence and trust knowing that the same doctor will take care of you during every part of the process, including all necessary post-op care.
Mistake #3: Choosing a LASIK surgeon who doesn’t have documented results available
It’s easy for surgeons to claim they have treated the most patients — but how do you know if this claim is true? Look for a surgeon who is willing to provide documented results and doesn’t take offense at having to show them to you. Very few surgeons actually take the time to document the number of cases they have performed, much less document the results of their cases. Too many offices claim, “most of our patients see 20/20,” but these answers aren’t good enough!
Dr. Manger believes that keeping detailed records of his results is an important service to his patients. We can gladly provide you with documented records that demonstrate Dr. Manger’s excellent visual outcomes and the number of surgeries he has performed — over 92,000.
Mistake #4: Choosing a center that claims to have performed 100,000 or 200,000Â LASIK procedures
Watch out — just because a center has performed a large number of surgeries, that doesn’t necessarily reflect the experience level of any one surgeon. Centers that make these types of claims generally employ many different surgeons who have each performed a limited number of procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask the surgeon some questions — how many cases does he or she do each day? Every week? How many days of the week does he or she do surgery? It’s a red flag if a surgeon claims to have performed 40,000 surgeries, yet only operates one or two days a week.
Mistake #5: Choosing a center that provides a quick and easy consultation
Easy — yes. Quick — no. When it comes to laser vision correction, a quick exam is not in your best interest. You should undergo a minimum of 12 diagnostic tests and be personally examined by the surgeon who will be performing your surgery. Many LASIK centers offer a consultation where a technician performs 2 or 3 tests and pronounces you a great candidate. Beware — it’s important to choose a surgeon who is willing to invest time in your exam and answer your questions.
Dr. Manger performs the industry’s most comprehensive LASIK exam, which takes approximately 2 ½ hours and consists of 14 different tests — a process that forms the groundwork for producing the outstanding results for which he is known.
Mistake #6: Choosing a surgeon or center that doesn’t offer advanced technology
You may feel that it’s difficult for you to verify any technological claims made by a LASIK surgery center. Again, don’t be afraid to ask questions or even ask to see the equipment. If a surgeon is promising a blade-free procedure, the center must have a femtosecond laser on site. While there are several FDA-approved excimer (treatment) lasers available, the most advanced are the Allegretto Wavelight and the Visx Star 4 with Iris Registration. Many LASIK centers have invested in only one and treat all patients with a “one size fits all” approach. Dr. Manger has chosen to invest in both lasers so that he may offer each patient a truly customized treatment to give them the best possible vision.
Don’t trust your eyes to just anyone. Find out for yourself why Dr. Manger and Saddleback Eye Center have been voted the best LASIK center in Orange County! Call us today or schedule your LASIK exam online!