Get the facts and avoid the 6 most common LASIK mistakes
When choosing a LASIK surgeon, there are several common LASIK mistakes that people often make. Learn from others’ mistakes and reduce the risks of laser eye surgery. Click on the links below to get the facts about LASIK.
Mistake #1: Choosing a LASIK surgeon based on a low price
Both are important.
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. Consider how this inexperience might affect LASIK surgery risks
- They are using older technology, which can increase the risks of LASIK eye surgery including 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 deeply discount LASIK at the expense of patient care and surgical outcomes.
We offer the most advanced technology, the most comprehensive diagnostic 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, and the other 0.3% happily see 20/30.1 You will not find results similar to these at a discount LASIK center. In fact, a 2006 Congressional report revealed that 1 in 6 patients who had LASIK at a budget laser vision center was unhappy with their outcome.2 If patients knew of this study, they would not risk their vision at a budget center.
Mistake #2: Choosing a LASIK surgeon who has multiple offices
Many LASIK surgeons are so busy running between multiple offices that they don't have time to personally take care of patients. It’s common in these LASIK centers that you won’t 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 also unable to perform all the necessary testing to ensure you are a good candidate for LASIK as their equipment and staff are spread throughout multiple locations.Dr. Manger is committed to only working out of a single office location so he can be available to provide the highest level of care for his patients. At Saddleback Eye Center, Dr. Manger personally examines each patient as part of the 2½-hour, 14-test LASIK diagnostic exam to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. He also performs every surgery, and will be available for postoperative care. This is part of Dr. Mangers “one office, one surgeon, one specialty” approach that you will not find anywhere else in Southern California.
Mistake #3: Choosing a LASIK surgeon who doesn't have documented results available
It's easy for LASIK 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 LASIK surgeons actually take the time to document the number of cases they have performed, much less document the results. 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 will gladly show you the documented records that demonstrate Dr. Manger's excellent visual outcomes and the number of LASIK procedures he has performed — over 89,100.1
Mistake #4: Choosing a center that claims to have performed 100,000 or 200,000
Watch out — a large number of surgeries 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. This inexperience could lead to LASIK eye surgery risks. Don't be afraid to ask a surgeon how many cases he or she does each day and every week, and also how many days of the week he or she does surgery. You should be cautious if a surgeon claims to have performed 40,000 surgeries but only operates one or two days a week.As the Only LASIK SpecialistSM, Dr. Manger is 100% focused on LASIK and it’s the only procedure he does, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year. He has been performing LASIK since 1996 and has personally performed more than 88,000 procedures.1
Mistake #5: Choosing a center that provides a quick consultation
When it comes to laser vision correction, a quick consultation exam is not in your best interest. You should undergo a minimum of 14 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 4 or 5 tests and determines that 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. If you wouldn’t schedule a different type of medical procedure, such as knee surgery, without first meeting your surgeon, don’t treat LASIK any differently!Dr. Manger performs the medical field’s most comprehensive, 14-test diagnostic LASIK exam, which takes approximately 2½ hours to complete. This LASIK exam forms the groundwork for producing the outstanding outcomes for which he is known, and is part of the wisdom that comes with your WOW experience from Dr. Manger.
Mistake #6: Choosing a surgeon or center that doesn't offer advanced technology
You may feel that it's difficult 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 Wave Eye-Q400, the Allegretto WaveLight EX500, 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. Technology can impact LASIK risks, so should be taken into consideration when selecting a LASIK surgeon.Dr. Manger has chosen to invest in 7 total 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 at 877-351-3937 or schedule your comprehensive LASIK exam online.
References:Data on file. Saddleback Eye Center.
Price Transparency Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Health of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, 109th Congress, 2nd Sess (2006). (Statement of Ha T. Tu, M.P.A.).