Considering LASIK Surgery in Fargo? Here’s What You Should Know!

What’s your vision for this year? Does your to-do list include vision correction surgery, or what’s better known as LASIK surgery?

If so, the decision to undergo laser vision correction is one that comes with careful consideration and it’s important to do your research. 

And if you’ve been thinking about getting LASIK surgery in Fargo, the doctors at Vance Thompson Vision have prepared a provider report card with the minimum requirements for a quality LASIK experience.

First, be sure to get a full evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and can get safe and quality results.

Here’s what to look for during that first evaluation for LASIK: 

LASIK Provider Report Card

1. Is it a team of local doctors?

All Vance Thompson Vision docs are from here! Want to meet one of them? Dr. Greenwood was born and raised in Jamestown, ND, went to Medical School at UND, and loves living and working right here in Fargo! 

2. Does the clinic measure your cornea for irregularities?

Knowing every irregularity in your eye allows docs to be super precise and get you the best results!  

3. Does it measure your corneal thickness?

If corneal thickness is not measured, it could lead to irregular vision after surgery.

4. Does the center check your corneal strength?

Yes! This helps determine which vision correction procedure is right for you!

5. What is a Cyclogel dilated examination and why is it necessary?

Sounds technical, but this simple yet vital exam dilates the pupil and relaxes the lens, to get the most accurate measurement and to ensure your eye is healthy enough for surgery.

6. Does the clinic check for internal light scatter?

As we age, the lens in our eye changes. Vision surgery isn’t one size fits all. Detecting internal light scatter can help your doctor understand what type of surgery you are the best candidate for.

7. Do they check your eyes for dryness? Do they analyze your tear film? 

Always! Optimizing eye hydration is vital to a successful surgery! The amount and quality of your tear film is essential to how your eye will heal after surgery

Find more information on what to look for in an evaluation here.

Not Good Candidate for LASIK? 

What if after all this evaluation you are not a good candidate for Laser Vision Surgery?

So don’t be disappointed! Your road to perfect vision isn’t over.

Another Option

At Vance Thompson Vision we have a second option which involves lens implantation. So if you’ve been told before that you can’t get laser vision correction, come chat with us. We may be able to get you this other great option!

If You Are a Good Candidate

You go through the evaluation and you get a YES! You’re approved for Laser Vision Correction! Congratulations!

Now, what’s most important to consider as it relates to your future surgery?

LASIK Surgery Report Card

1. Will your procedure be completely bladeless?

A traditional LASIK surgery used a blade to create the necessary corneal flap and this could provide good results though there are more risks. An all-laser LASIK surgery delivers unprecedented accuracy and consistent results. It’s the best you can get.

2. Are the center’s instruments sterilized for each eye?

Seems like a no brainer, but isn’t always done. Make sure your doctor doesn’t cut corners and uses completely separate, sterilized equipment for each individual eye.

3. Why is it important to have the latest laser with Custom Wavefront Technology?

This technology minimizes the risk of glare and halos at night which is so important to great vision!

4. Do they perform advanced eye-tracking and tear film analysis during surgery?

What if I move my eye during surgery?! Ah!

Don’t worry — advanced tracking technology follows the eye to make sure every laser pulse is put in an accurate location! You can simply lay back and relax.

Even when surgery is over, don’t just be sent out the door. Here’s what to look for in follow-up visits.

Future Care Report Card

1. Will you receive long term after-care at Vance Thompson Vision?

After-care should include multiple follow-up visits between one day and two years after your refractive surgery, along with regular check-ups with your local eye doctor. 

2. How do I know Vance Thompson Vision has the expertise I am looking for?

Vance Thompson Vision doctors have been instrumental in pioneering LASIK from the very beginning. Understanding the evolution of refractive surgery and knowing where things are headed helps our doctors make the best decisions for your individual case from start to finish and beyond.

Your Next Steps

So, now that you have all this information, that dream of seeing without glasses or contacts in 2022 is closer to happening!

Give Vance Thompson Vision a call at 701-566-5390 or go online to schedule a FREE consultation. 

Here’s to a new year, seeing your best, and being your best!

And for more information, see this write-up on Keys to Quality LASIK.