LASIK surgery has transformed vision correction, but misconceptions about the procedure continue to cause unnecessary hesitation for a lot of people. Sadly, this prevents many good candidates from having this life-changing procedure performed.
If you’ve been considering LASIK but are unsure because of conflicting information, it’s time to set the record straight. Let’s debunk the most common myths about LASIK surgery so you can make an informed decision about your vision care.
Myth 1: LASIK Is Painful
One of the biggest concerns about LASIK is that it’s a painful procedure. The truth? LASIK is virtually painless, thanks to advanced techniques and technology.
As Travers Lasik explains, “Laser vision correction is generally painless or associated with little discomfort. During the procedure, anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye with no injections or needles. LASIK patients will generally have irritation for several hours after the procedure.”
Most patients describe the sensation during LASIK as pressure on the eye rather than pain. Post-procedure, you might experience some mild irritation or dryness for a few hours, but this is temporary and easily managed with lubricating eye drops.
Myth 2: The Results Don’t Last
Another common misconception is that LASIK results are temporary and that your vision will eventually revert to its original state. In reality, LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Most patients enjoy clear vision for many years, often decades, after the procedure.
However, it’s important to note that LASIK doesn’t stop the natural aging process. As you grow older, conditions like presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) may develop, requiring reading glasses or additional vision correction. This is unrelated to the success of the LASIK procedure itself.
Myth 3: LASIK Is Too Risky
Fear of complications is another reason people shy away from LASIK, but the reality is that LASIK is one of the safest surgical procedures available today. With advancements in laser technology and improved surgical techniques, the risk of serious complications is extremely low – less than 1 percent.
The key to minimizing risks is choosing an experienced and reputable LASIK surgeon. They’ll thoroughly evaluate your eyes to ensure you’re a good candidate and tailor the procedure to your unique needs.
Myth 4: It’s Only for Young People
Some people believe LASIK is only an option for younger individuals, but this isn’t entirely true. While there’s an ideal age range for LASIK candidates – typically between 25 and 40 – it’s not restricted to this group.
Younger patients need stable vision before undergoing LASIK, which is why it’s not recommended for teenagers whose eyes are still changing. For older adults, candidacy depends on factors like overall eye health, corneal thickness, and whether conditions like cataracts or glaucoma are present. Your surgeon will assess your eligibility regardless of age and help you decide if LASIK is right for you.
Myth 5: The Recovery Is Long and Difficult
Many people think LASIK recovery involves weeks of downtime, but it’s actually one of the quickest recovery processes for a surgical procedure.
Most LASIK patients notice improved vision within 24 hours, and many can return to work or normal activities the day after the procedure. Full stabilization of vision might take a few weeks, but during this time, you’ll only need to follow some basic precautions, like avoiding rubbing your eyes or exposing them to water.
The ease and speed of recovery make LASIK an attractive option for anyone with a busy schedule. So, if you’re holding off on LASIK because you think it’s going to force you to miss a lot of personal or professional obligations due to a long recovery, think again. Most people are back to normal within a day or two.
Myth 6: LASIK Is Too Expensive
The cost of LASIK can initially seem high, according to the experts, but when you consider the long-term savings, it’s an investment in your vision and quality of life.
Think about the recurring expenses of glasses, contact lenses, solutions, and eye exams. Over time, these costs can add up to thousands of dollars. LASIK eliminates these ongoing expenses, often paying for itself within a few years.
Additionally, many LASIK providers offer financing options, allowing you to spread the cost over manageable payments. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can also be used to offset the expense.
Myth 7: LASIK Is the Same for Everyone
LASIK isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Every patient’s eyes are unique, and modern LASIK technology allows surgeons to customize the procedure to your specific vision needs.
Advanced techniques like wavefront-guided LASIK or bladeless LASIK provide highly personalized treatments, ensuring optimal results for each patient. A thorough pre-op evaluation will determine the best approach for your eyes.
Myth 8: You Can’t Have LASIK If You Have Astigmatism
Astigmatism, a common refractive error, used to be a limitation for LASIK candidates in the early days of the procedure. Today, advancements in technology have made it possible to correct astigmatism with LASIK effectively, says Healthline.
If you’ve been told that you’re not a candidate because of astigmatism, it’s worth getting a second opinion. Modern LASIK techniques can address a wide range of vision issues, including significant astigmatism.
Setting the Record Straight
As you can see, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about LASIK surgery. Trying to determine what’s true and what’s not isn’t always easy. Hopefully, this article has helped set the record straight on some of the biggest myths. However, don’t take our word for it. Meet with an eye doctor soon to discuss whether or not you’re a candidate. They can walk you through specific factors, risks, and benefits that are relevant to you.
