LASIK Co-Management
If you struggle with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may be confined to wearing corrective lenses. While many people don’t mind the slight imposition of wearing and caring for eyeglasses or contact lenses, others would rather not be obligated. This is when a LASIK procedure may be a sound solution. LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis, but most just call it laser eye surgery. LASIK is sometimes a good alternative to corrective lenses. Your eye doctor in Elkridge, MD, can tell you more about the LASIK process.
What Is Laser-Assisted Eye Surgery?
During a LASIK procedure, an eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape your cornea. Ideally, this corrects refractive errors, and visual acuity is restored in one or both eyes. After a successful LASIK procedure, patients may find freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses while experiencing an improved vision. If this sounds like a procedure that interests you, Dr. Jan Eye Care in Elkridge, MD, is a great place to learn more about LASIK.
What Is LASIK Co-Management?
If you’re a good candidate for LASIK, and you elect to have the procedure, you’ll work with two specialists. The first is your regular eye doctor, who will perform a routine eye exam, take a detailed medical history, and perform any other diagnostic tests necessary to get started. But an eye surgeon, called an ophthalmologist, will perform your actual laser eye surgery. Afterward, your regular eye doctor will usually take over your follow-up care. This is called LASIK co-management, and it leads to improved levels of patient satisfaction and improved patient outcomes.
Why Do I Need Two Eye Doctors?
You’ll need two eye doctors for a LASIK procedure because reshaping the cornea requires highly specialized skills. While your optometrist is the best person to perform routine eye exams and diagnostic tests, prescribe eyeglasses, and fit you for contact lenses, only an ophthalmologist is able to perform eye surgery. Once the surgery is complete and you have no complications, you can return to your optometrist for follow-up care to ensure everything is going as intended.
Am I a Good Candidate for a LASIK Procedure?
Most people who struggle with refractive errors can have LASIK. But there are some situations in which it may not be the ideal solution. If you’ve experienced any of the following, elective eye surgery may not be the best choice for you:
- Degenerative eye disease
- Serious eye injury in the past
- Eyelid disorders
- Chronic dry eyes
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Also, if you regularly participate in high-contact sports, such as boxing or martial arts, eye surgery may not be a good solution. And if you have any type of accompanying medical condition, including autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes, you may not be a candidate for LASIK. Similarly, if you’re under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding, you’ll want to delay your procedure until a later date.
For more information on LASIK co-management in Elkridge, MD, contact Dr. Jan Eye Care today.
