LASIK eye surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. The surgery can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASIK surgery eliminates the need for eyeglasses or contacts. The person who received the surgery will no longer have to deal with misplacing their glasses or the daily routine of putting contacts in and taking them out.
LASIK Myths
When LASIK first became an option for eye care in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, people immediately started making up myths about the surgery. These myths still exist today and need to be dismissed to encourage people to get their vision enhanced or corrected.
Myth: Everyone qualifies for LASIK eye surgery.
Eighty percent of people above the age of 18 qualify for LASIK, but some people with irregular corneas, eye diseases, or poor health problems are at risk to have an unsuccessful surgery.
LASIK surgery has a 96% success rate. Some of the health problems that may make you an unsuitable candidate for LASIK surgery include an autoimmune disease or uncontrollable diabetes.
You also must have stable vision for at least a year. If you are changing your prescription annually then refractive surgery might not be an option.
Myth: LASIK is a painful surgery.
Before the surgery, anesthetic eye drops are given to the patient. These eye drops prevent pain from occurring throughout the LASIK surgery. Some patients experience minor discomfort in their eye after the surgery. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs should take care of it.
Myth: LASIK can cause blindness.
No confirmed cases of blindness caused by LASIK surgery have ever been reported. Serious complications have occurred, but these complications are extremely rare. Before the surgery, you will be consulted by the doctor, and he/she will tell you if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery.
Myth: Once you have this surgery, you will never have to wear glasses or contacts ever again.
This surgery will correct your vision and allow you to see clearly; however, age and time can still cause your vision to deteriorate. There is no guarantee that you will never have to use glasses or contacts again. Despite this, most people do not have to wear glasses or contacts any time after their surgery, and if they do end up wearing glasses again or using contacts, it is typically reading glasses in their 40s.
Myth: LASIK will burn your eyes.
All laser eye surgeries use a cold laser that will not burn any part of your eye. The surgery will also only affect the surface of your eye, making it hard to cause damage deeper in the eye.
Myth: All LASIK surgeries are the same, no matter the price.
The surgeon’s skill matters. The better the surgeon, the more likely the surgery will be successful. LASIK centers that offer an extremely low price may not provide pre- and post-operation care.
It is important to make sure you take care of your eyes by researching the surgeon.
Should you get LASIK
An overwhelming majority of people who received the surgery said they would do it again. The two most common reasons people are apprehensive to undergo LASIK surgery at first is because of myths surrounding LASIK or due to a lack of funds.
Despite the many myths surrounding LASIK eye surgery, it has proven to be successful and is an excellent option for those who need it.
Discuss your financing options with the doctor performing your surgery.
Don’t let unfounded myths or an inability to pay for the procedure upfront limit your vision correction options because LASIK eye surgery may change your life.
