What Does LASIK Co-management Include?

Since its approval by the FDA in 1999, LASIK has had more than ten million Americans take the surgery. Deciding to get LASIK is overwhelming. The procedure involves two doctors. One is a LASIK surgeon, while the other is your eye doctor. The two of them work together to achieve optimal results.

Your regular eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam. The exam provides the information you need to decide. If you opt for LASIK surgery, your ophthalmologist will refer you to a LASIK eye surgeon.

About LASIK Co-management

Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common type of eye surgery.  LASIK co-management occurs when a LASIK eye surgeon works together with an eye doctor. In this arrangement, your eye doctor provides pre and post-operative care. The LASIK surgeon will perform the procedure.

In co-management, the eye doctor might refer patients to a particular LASIK surgeon. If the surgeon and eye doctor have a relationship, it is beneficial to patients. It facilitates better communication about the history of your eye health. This way, it is easier and more efficient to formulate the best action plan.

LASIK Surgery Pre-operative Evaluation

Both specialists will perform their independent comprehensive eye exams. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will perform a preoperative evaluation. This will determine if you qualify for LASIK surgery. If you do, they will recommend a LASIK surgeon for you.

Then, the surgeon conducts the independent preoperative evaluation of your vision. The LASIK surgeon will conduct a more detailed examination of your cornea. By analyzing 3D maps of the cornea, the surgeon gains a better understanding of your eye health. These in-depth eye exams will show your LASIK surgeon if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

LASIK Surgery Post-operative Care

After the LASIK surgery, your eye doctor will conduct most of your post-surgery care. There are many factors involved in LASIK post-surgery care. They include consultations and follow-up appointments with the LASIK surgeon. Your doctor will also enforce your recovery plan.

Also, they will ensure you follow certain laid-down guidelines. This can include rules such as no rubbing of the eyes for optimal recovery. Each post-operative plan is unique since every patient has different eyes.

LASIK Surgery Recovery Plan

It is advisable to see your eye doctor after LASIK surgery. This should be within the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. Your eye doctor will track your healing while checking your vision. They might also alter the recovery plan if the need arises.

At least six months after LASIK surgery, experts recommend continuing the follow-up appointments. It ensures that your recovery is on track. But if your vision does not resolve or gets worse during this period, call your eye doctor.

In Conclusion 

Treatments such as LASIK that use co-management techniques are very effective. The two specialists working in consultation culminates in optimal results. You will enjoy better vision, improving the quality of your life.

For more on LASIK, visit Westchester Eye Care Center at our office in Los Angeles, California. You can call (310) 670-1888 to schedule an appointment today.