If you’re planning to have Lasik, you need to have a checklist about the things you need to check out, before finalizing on a particular Lasik surgeon and Lasik institute. Let’s see what Mary James, a prospective Lasik patient does before she settles for a Lasik institute.

The first thing that Mary wanted to find out was the cost of a Lasik procedure. Though the price of surgery was not her sole criteria, she wanted to find out if the surgery was affordable. “How much you want to pay for Lasik is an important criterion but don’t get tempted by very cheap rates. Just be sure that you can afford Lasik,” says Mary.

The next factor that Mary considered was the reputation of the Lasik center and of the doctors working there. Mary offers a piece of advice on this – “You can visit the Lasik institute and find out about the surgeon’s complication rate. If they are reluctant to tell you, then you should go to another institute.”

Mary also spoke to friends who’ve had Lasik. They gave her referrals of other doctors and institutes. It’s a good idea to choose a surgeon who has at least 3-5 years of experience, has done about 5000 Lasik operations and has handled the latest technology.

Lasik technology is dynamic and is constantly evolving. Mary made sure that the centre she chose had the latest FDA-approved laser equipment. A well-equipped Lasik institute uses Interlase – a laser knife used to cut the flap in the cornea and Wavefront Lasik.

Mary began doing her research about Lasik surgeons and institutes through the net and once she had sufficient information, she made a personal visit to all the institutes. You can try this method too, to ensure a safe Lasik surgery.