Chester County Eye Surgeon on When to Consider LASIK and How to Choose the Right Practice
LASIK Surgeon in Chester County on When to Undergo a Procedure
According to the latest statistics from the Eye Surgery Education Council, 95% of LASIK and vision correction patients report improved vision, along with an improved quality of life. With more than 700,000 LASIK procedures performed annually according to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the West Chester eye care doctors at Chester County Eye Care Associates say experience should be a patient’s number one concern when considering vision correction. Patients should thoroughly research their LASIK surgeon and practice before they go for an evaluation. Reviewing the doctor’s education, specialty training, awards and patient testimonials is a good place to start. Also, it is advisable to choose an eye care practice or LASIK center with a solid and longstanding reputation.
Dr. John DeStafeno, the resident West Chester LASIK surgeon at Chester County Eye Care Associates, says patients also need to consider the entire process from evaluation to follow-up as they determine the right practice and right time to pursue vision correction. He says the operating surgeon’s involvement in the entire vision correction process is one of the main contributing factors to the high success rate at the practice. “I am with patients every step of the way — during the evaluation, the surgery and follow-up appointments. Not only do we have plenty of time to answer questions and discuss options and expectations, there is an increased comfort level on the day of surgery having already firmly established a trusting patient-doctor relationship.”
Dr. DeStafeno says patients typically consider LASIK for many months to years before actually deciding to pursue a vision correction procedure. “We understand that this is a big decision and people have some reservations, but from our perspective, we know what a safe and effective treatment we have at our fingertips to really enhance people’s quality of life and the sooner you do it, the longer you will have to enjoy the benefits.”
When considering the cost of LASIK, Dr. DeStafeno says patients should consider the annual cost of their contact lenses (lenses, solution, cleaners) and glasses. He adds that many years of contact lens wear can lead to health issues with the eyes including dryness, infection, and discomfort. “Overall, LASIK patients can benefit from decreased expenses as well as improving the health of their eyes. Patients should be confident that LASIK is a safe, effective procedure when done in the right hands. A life free of glasses and contact lenses is more attainable than ever before.”
About John J. DeStafeno, MD
Dr. John DeStafeno earned his medical degree with honors from Albany Medical College. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. DeStafeno also completed a two year clinical research fellowship in Cornea, Refractive, and External Disease at the Duke University Eye Center. He is a certified Intralase “No-blade” laser surgeon, and was named Top Physician by Philadelphia Magazine and by Main Line Today.
Chester County Eye Care Associates has two locations: Fern Hill Medical Campus at 915 Old Fern Hill Road, Building B, Suite 200, West Chester, PA 19380; and Commons at Oaklands at 740 West Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341. The practice can be reached at (484) 723-2020, or found online at www.chestercountylasik.com.