Are you traveling for LASIK? I was wondering because you registered as living in north Carolina, but you are asking about having surgery in Las Vegas. Is this some package deal with the casinos?
2. "traveling for surgery" Posted by Wayne on 10:43:57 6/25/2000
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No sir, I was referred by a co-worker that is from watertown NY about Lasik Vision in Canada and when I called to inquire, they informed me of their U.S. clinics of which Las Vegas happen to be one. We travel to Las Vegas on the average of one time a year. So I made the appointment.
You should not travel for LASIK if you are not aware of the extra risks and hassles that come along with travel.
The problem with traveling is that LASIK is a surgery with risks. First - you need to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK. You need to talk with your surgeon about your goals with
LASIK if you are over the age of 40 (monovision for example).
The most critical issues are the risks with the procedure. LASIK overall is a safe procedure, but there are risks of flap problems, infection, central islands, irregular astigmatism, slap striae, slipped flaps, etc. If these problems occur, you will need to visit your surgeon multiple times. This is of course very difficult if you have flown across the US for surgery.
In particular - read the postings about flap striae. Flap striae are uncommon, but when they occur, you will need to go back for relifting of the flap or other procedures.
Finally -what happens if your visual results aren't satisfactory (for example - there is residual astigmatism or residual myopia) and you require an enhancement. This would mean that you would have to fly back again for another procedure. And again the second procedure has the same risks associated.
Certainly some people have gotten away with traveling for LASIK. But you must be aware that you are taking a much higher risk with your eyes when you do this
I will be happy to answer any specific questions
Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, fL
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