Several considerations for LASIK

Before I went for LASIK, and chose TTSH to go through the operation, there were several considerations that I took note of:


1. Type of hobbies that I will be involved in after the operation

From what I understood, LASIK is not suitable for people involved with high contact sports. I used to do muaythai kickboxing, and chinese martial arts (which involves a lot of breaking bricks, and getting your body smashed with sticks). It was only after I had given up these sports, that I began to even consider the option of LASIK.


2. Alternatives.

Technologies:
Right now, there are alternatives to LASIK. There is Wavefront LASIK,Epi-Lasik, LASEK, and Pseudo Accommodative Cornea (PAC). Technologies are always evolving. And there is a choice between using the mirokeratome or Intralase to create the corneal flap. Research on the internet, it has a wealth of information. Plus, you might want to find out what type of laser machine that each LASIK centres have, and if they are FDA approved.

3. LASIK Centres:

There were a few considerations before I chose TTSH:

In Singapore:

Tan Tock Seng Hospital: The first centre in Singapore to introduce Intralase. Plus at that time, they were the only using it. Intralase is considered a safer procedure and it cuts up less of the cornea to create the flap. This is particularly useful for people with high myopia, as more cornea needs to be cut. The service level there is good. Plus, a colleague recommended me the eye surgeon there. They were the first to bring down the price of LASIK, which prompted other LASIK centres to do the same.

Singapore National Eye Centre: If I am not mistaken, they use LADARvision which was supposedly the first machine to be able to do wavefront. (Correct me if I am wrong). I did not consider them at all, as the machines they used were not advanced; the size of lasers used were not small not enough to even treat a highly myopic person like me.

In Malaysia:

Vista: Vista uses the Bausch & Lomb's Zyoptix 100 as their main LASIK machine. Plus, they were the first to introduce Intralase in the region. At one point in time last year, their machines were the latest, and I was seriously considering them for LASIK. But, a price comparison between them and TTSH were on par. Because they were using the Zyoptix 100, they would be able to treat my high myopia.

Optimax: By far the most popular choice amongst Malaysians/Singaporeans. Stepping into their clinics, they have these folders where they have hundreds of letters written by clients who were impressed by the level of service. Plus, they have several centres in Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Penang, and KL, to mention a few. They offer several options to correcting vision; LASEK and LASIK. But because the LASIK machines that were used to correct the eye were Nidek 5000 and they only offered the microkeratome early this year, they could not treat my myopia. The only recourse is to do LASEK, which I did not want because it is a new procedure (and I thought, unproven). And, the recovery is much longer and troublesome compared to LASIK. Also, they are now introducing Pseudo Accommodative Cornea (PAC).


4. Costs.
I was deliberating between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Thailand is definitely out for me, because it is too far away. Plus, the costs of travelling there, and going back for check up would be very troublesome.

Prices for Vista, and Optimax could be found on their website. They have periodic promotions ( and even tie ups with credit card companies) as compared to the LASIK centres in Singapore, so I would not be putting them up. Bear in mind that their prices are inclusive of follow up consultation. The practice in Singapore is slightly different; if you were to go for the treatment, you only pay for the treatment. Any other follow up consultation is chargeable.

You might also need to factor in hotel stay, transport to KL, if you are doing a cost comparison.

5. Final Words.
In considering which LASIK centre to go to, my main consideration was not cost, but the surgeon and the type of machine used. I would akin this to taking a flight, where the doctor is the pilot, and the type of machines used is the plane.

You will need a combination of an experienced pilot, plus a good plane in order to have smooth and successful flight. Plus, the longer the distance flown (higher myopia), only certain planes can go the distance without needing stopovers.

Well, to those who is thinking of doing LASIK, I would highly recommend it. Happy LASIK shopping!