James Salz, M.D., Los Angeles, Calif., says he doesn't do bilateral LASIK. He makes his patients wait at least a day before he does the second eye and prefers that they wait a week.

Here's why:

1. Doing one eye at a time helps you learn more about what to do for the second eye.
2. It lets patients experience the quality of their vision.
3. It’s slightly safer.

"Even though bilateral LASIK is more cost-efficient, I’m not comfortable taking that risk," says Dr. Salz. "Eyes are too precious, and I’ve seen too many complications working their way through the court system. Besides, thanks to this cautious approach, I’m gaining my own following of patients, some from other laser centers where patients are "milled" through. My patients tell their friends, "Go to Dr. Salz. His primary concern is the safety of your eyes."

Dr. Salz is a partner in American Eye Institute Medical Group, sole owner of Beverly Hills Eye Medical Group, and co-founder and medical director of Freedom Vision Laser Center. He is also a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Southern California and attending surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Midway Hospital, Los Angeles.