Should I Get a Second Opinion About My Laser Eye Surgery Suitability?
In the past, the line between who is suitable or unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery was often definitive. But with ever-evolving technologies and techniques, this simply isn’t the case anymore.
Before chain Laser Eye Surgery providers began to pop up all over the country, many clinics had access to the same technologies, making it easy to determine whether an individual would be eligible for treatment. However, with developments and innovations advancing at an ever-rapid pace, suitability can differ significantly between providers.
Even when looking at the broader picture of vision correction, you can be offered anything from a medical apparatus that has changed little in hundreds of years to a cutting-edge laser procedure. So, with so much variation at play, should you bother to get a second opinion when it comes to your suitability for Laser Eye Surgery?
Well, to put it bluntly: Absolutely!
Choosing a Laser Eye Surgery Clinic
In recent years, Laser Eye Surgery has become more accessible than ever before. Clinics have popped up on high streets up and down the country, offering treatment at a price that often seems too good to be true (and sometimes is). With such a myriad of clinics, providers, and hospitals to choose from, it can be hard to know the best option.
But it’s important to remember that many of these Laser Eye Surgery providers will offer different treatments and have varying capabilities, including when it comes to who they can treat.
Some figures suggest that some Laser Eye Surgery clinics turn away as much as 20% of potential patients. Understandably, this can leave patients with the impression that they are simply not a candidate for treatment. But this isn’t always the case. In many cases, patients are turned away simply due to the limited expertise or technology available at a given clinic.
In contrast, other clinics (including London Vision Clinic) can treat up to 98% of the patients who walk through their doors.
So, as you can see, when it comes to Laser Eye Surgery suitability, the answer isn’t as clear as a line in the sand. What’s possible can often depend on who you talk to.
At a high street provider, you may well be told you are unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery, particularly if you have a complicated or high prescription. The good news is that you could visit an independent clinic the very same day and be approved for treatment!
This begs the question: Why is it that some clinics keep up with the latest industry technology practices while others are unable to?
Am I Unsuitable? Or is the Clinic Unequipped?
Generally speaking, there are four different types of Laser Eye Surgery patients: Those who are eligible for treatment, those who are temporarily ineligible (due to factors such as pregnancy, age, or an uncontrolled health condition), those who are ineligible (at least until technology and expertise advance further), and those who are ineligible due to an existing condition (such as keratoconus).
The likelihood of being truly unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery is much smaller than you may think. While your suitability can indeed depend on personal factors such as your age, prescription, and existing health conditions such as diabetes, it is equally dependent on your chosen clinic and its capabilities.
The Importance of a Rigorous Screening Program
The best way to determine your suitability is with a rigorous screening program. In fact, at London Vision Clinic, we believe this stage is the most important in the entire Laser Eye Surgery process.
Again, Laser Eye Surgery screening is based largely around technology. As such, the level and standards of screening protocols can vary greatly between clinics. At London Vision Clinic, our screening process typically takes around 2-3 hours, making it one of the most comprehensive in the country (and world).
This allows us not only to more accurately determine your suitability for treatment, but also to develop a more detailed treatment plan for the best chance of a great outcome.
Moreover, limited technology and expertise can significantly impact a clinic’s range of “treatable” prescriptions. Using the best technology, such as the revolutionary Artemis scanner, allows us to safely treat even very high prescriptions. In many cases, we can successfully correct prescriptions that, not too long ago, were considered impossible!
A huge number of factors can affect a clinic’s ability to treat your refractive error. So, if you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery, it’s always worth getting a second opinion.
To find out more about our screening program, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today!
