Posted by Tyler Hightower on Tue, Feb 15, 2011 @ 11:51 AM
Recently, Dr. Whitsett sat down with Houston's Yellow Magazine to answer frequently asked questions about LASIK. If you haven't read the magazine, check out this interview!!
Yellow Magazine: How long have you been performing LASIK procedures? About how many have you performed?
Dr. Whitsett: We started performing LASIK in 1995 as part of the FDA trials, and have performed about 20,000 procedures to date.
YM: How does the Whitsett Vision Group differ from other providers?
Dr. Whitsett: I am involved in every step of the process from screening to post-operative care. I tell patients that LASIK is a lot of little steps and the devil is in the details. We pay attention to the details and it shows in our results.
YM: Has the procedure changed since you began performing them?
Dr. Whitsett: The technology has continued to evolve, which has provided greater safety and incredible results for our patients.
YM: Is everyone a candidate for the procedure?
Dr. Whitsett: No, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. You must find a surgeon who has the experience to select the appropriate candidates for surgery. The best candidates for surgery get the best results.
YM: Are there alternative procedures (e.g., implantation of corneal rings) to achieve the same effect?
Dr. Whitsett: We have multiple procedures that complement each other: from LASIK to ICL’s to multifocal lens surgery.
YM: What kinds of information should someone thinking about undergoing the procedure seek? Are there independent resources to check doctor’s credentials?
Dr. Whitsett: I think patients should feel comfortable with their surgeon and the surgical setting. Unfortunately, there is not a grading scale for patients to review, however, we have been putting great results in the community for the last 20 years and will continue to strive to offer our patients the best technology and results.
YM: What is the biggest concern that patients have and how do you address those concerns?
Dr. Whitsett: I personally meet with all patients before surgery to make sure we can meet their expectations. Patients’ concern about surgery and their visual results need to be addressed. Education is the most powerful tool to help put them at ease.
YM: How important is it that the surgeon possess the latest technology and what is that, today?
Dr. Whitsett: The technology is amazing and the combination of intralase, and custom laser technology has created the gold standard, iLASIK.
YM: There has been considerable press about the complications associated with LASIK including halos, starbursts, blurry vision etc. The FDA is embarking upon a two year study into the incidence of side effects. Can you put the concern an informed patient may have into perspective? Has it been your experience that the latest technology (what is it) reduces the number and degree of side effects?
Dr. Whitsett: I think it’s great for the FDA to look at the results and side effects of the new technology. Remember the data being quoted is about 15 years old and the understanding and technology have continued to improve since then. I’m confident the new data will confirm what we know that iLASIK is a perfectly safe and effective procedure for the right patients.
YM: Assuming that I am a prospective patient who is ready to move forward, do you recommend that I treat both eyes simultaneously?
Dr. Whitsett: I would say that almost 100% of patients elect to have both eyes treated the same day.
YM: How long does the procedure take? Is it painful or uncomfortable? What is therecovery time and how long will it take for a patient to be up and running?
Dr. Whitsett: The procedure takes about 5-6 minutes per eye. Interestingly, the actual laser application time is generally less than 30 seconds. There is no pain during the procedure. Most patients may resume regular activities the next day with minimal restrictions.
