LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a precise surgical procedure that corrects common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye. Because LASIK involves surgery on a delicate part of the body, the procedure is carried out exclusively by a highly specialized medical doctor with extensive surgical training.
The Surgical Specialist
The physician who performs LASIK surgery is an Ophthalmologist, a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system. Ophthalmologists complete four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and a multi-year residency that includes surgical training. While all ophthalmologists are licensed to perform eye surgery, not all of them perform LASIK.
Patients should specifically seek a refractive surgeon, an ophthalmologist with additional expertise in vision correction procedures. This specialist is responsible for the technical aspects of the operation, including using the femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap and the excimer laser to precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This level of experience with the technology and corneal anatomy is necessary for a successful outcome.
The surgeon also plays a primary role in determining a patient’s candidacy through comprehensive pre-operative evaluations, such as measuring corneal thickness and mapping the eye’s surface. Their assessment determines whether LASIK is the safest and most effective procedure, or if an alternative refractive surgery might be more appropriate.
Collaborative Care Roles
While the ophthalmologist performs the surgery, the patient’s LASIK journey involves a team of eye care professionals. The Optometrist (OD), a doctor of optometry, plays a significant role in both the pre-operative and post-operative phases by providing primary vision care, including eye exams and the management of eye health.
The optometrist conducts the initial screening to assess overall eye health, check for conditions like dry eye, and confirm the patient’s prescription has been stable for a year. These pre-operative examinations gather detailed diagnostic data, such as corneal measurements and refractive error, which the surgeon needs to customize the laser treatment. The optometrist focuses on patient education and ongoing vision management.
Following the procedure, optometrists typically handle the majority of post-operative follow-up appointments. They monitor the patient’s healing progress, assess visual acuity, and manage common temporary side effects like dry eye or mild glare. This consistent monitoring helps ensure the corneal flap stabilizes correctly and the vision outcome meets expectations.
Essential Qualifications and Credentials
Patients should look beyond the general medical degree to verify a surgeon’s specific qualifications in refractive surgery. The most important credential is Board Certification, particularly by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). This certification signifies that the ophthalmologist has completed residency, passed rigorous examinations, and committed to ongoing education and periodic re-testing.
Beyond general certification, many refractive surgeons pursue specialized fellowship training. A fellowship is an additional year or more of focused training, often specializing in cornea and external diseases or refractive surgery, providing deep expertise in the procedures and technology. Surgical volume is also a strong indicator of expertise, as surgeons who have performed thousands of procedures have extensive experience handling various patient cases and corneal complexities.
Selecting a Refractive Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon involves investigating their credentials and practice to ensure high-quality care. Patients should verify the surgeon’s board certification status and inquire about their specific experience with the patient’s type of refractive error. It is important to ask about the surgeon’s complication rates and the percentage of patients who achieve 20/20 vision or better following the procedure.
The technology utilized by the clinic requires scrutiny, as advanced equipment contributes to precision and safety. Look for clinics that invest in the latest generation of lasers, such as those offering wavefront-guided or all-laser LASIK, which customize the treatment more accurately. A reputable surgeon will conduct a detailed evaluation, discuss realistic expectations, and encourage questions without pressuring the patient to commit to the surgery.