Millions of people can now see clearly with little to no need for visual aids, thanks to LASIK. Despite being one of the most popular and successful refractive procedures, several myths still surround LASIK – and they can make you think twice about taking the next step.
Understanding the facts about LASIK can help you make the best decision for your eyes. Keep reading as we debunk five of the most common LASIK surgery myths!
Myth 1: LASIK is Painful
LASIK eye surgery is virtually painless for most people. While you’ll be awake during the procedure, you won’t feel pain.
Your LASIK surgeon will apply anesthetic eye drops to numb the surface of your eyes, ensuring you’re comfortable throughout the process. You might feel some pressure on each eye, but it’s brief and very manageable with the numbing drops.
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, such as itching or a gritty sensation, but this usually resolves within the first few hours.
Myth 2: LASIK Wears Off Over Time
The vision correction achieved with LASIK is long-lasting. LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
These changes don’t wear off or fade over time. However, age-related changes—like presbyopia or cataracts—can still occur later in life, just as they would whether or not you’ve had LASIK.
Myth 3: Anyone Can Get LASIK
Not everyone is eligible for LASIK. Generally, you may be a good LASIK candidate if you meet the following requirements:
- You’re at least 18 years old
- You’re in good general health
- Your corneas are sufficiently thick
- Your vision has remained stable for at least a year or two
- Your eyes are healthy
- You don’t have severe dry eye or certain eye conditions like keratoconus
- You’re not pregnant or nursing
During your LASIK consultation, your refractive coordinator will evaluate your eyes and perform various painless tests to determine if you’re a good candidate. If you’re not, your doctor may recommend an equally effective alternative procedure.
Myth 4: LASIK is Unsafe
LASIK is an FDA-approved procedure with an excellent safety record. FDA approval means that the procedure meets strict safety standards.
While, like any surgery, there are risks, serious complications are rare. Choosing a skilled and experienced LASIK surgeon significantly reduces those risks and improves your chances of excellent results.
Before undergoing LASIK, you’ll complete a comprehensive evaluation – more in-depth than your initial consultation. This includes detailed measurements and a dilated exam to confirm your eyes are healthy and well-suited for LASIK.
Additionally, following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions also helps ensure a smooth recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
Myth 5: LASIK is Too Expensive
While the initial cost of LASIK seems significant, it often saves money in the long run. LASIK can reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and contacts—cutting out the ongoing costs of lenses, frames, solutions, and replacements.
Those small purchases add up quickly and can exceed the one-time cost of LASIK. In fact, many patients find the procedure pays for itself within just a few years.
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can even use pre-tax dollars to help pay for LASIK—making it even more affordable.
Still wondering if LASIK is right for you? Request your FREE LASIK Consultation at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL, today!
