The most common and well-liked refractive procedure for common vision problems is LASIK. However, there is still a lot of incorrect information that can discourage people from seeking suitable treatment. The truth is that LASIK is a highly successful, safe, and effective procedure. Most LASIK patients have 20/20 vision with enhanced vision almost immediately after treatment, and the outpatient procedure is quick (about 15-20 minutes for each eye).
While the prevalence of LASIK has been steadily declining, many people continue to rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses on a global scale. Why don’t people pick a LASIK solution, then? Checking out some LASIK myths is necessary to respond to the question. Therefore, it is time to understand the truth that LASIK surgery is compelling before you assume it.
Myth No. 1: LASIK is painful
Remember that LASIK surgery is not painful in and of itself. Most doctors administer numbing eye drops before surgery so you won’t feel the laser. The only sensation you get is pressure on your eye, which some patients may find uncomfortable. Most doctors can administer a mild sedative to help you relax throughout the procedure. A good doctor carefully takes all reasonable measures to make you comfortable. Additionally, after LASIK surgery, several medications and eye drops can help with common side effects, including dry, itchy eyes, redness, etc., that usually go away in a few days.
Myth No. 2: No matter who does the procedure, the outcomes are the same.
Fact Clarified: Although technology has improved and decreased the likelihood of manual errors during LASIK surgery, choosing a skilled and knowledgeable LASIK surgeon is still crucial. Before deciding, you should conduct extensive research, read reviews, and speak with others who have had LASIK because not every LASIK surgeon has the full range of experience.
Myth No. 3: LASIK is an option for everyone.
One of the essential LASIK surgery facts is that it is not advised for everyone to have the procedure. Many risk factors exist, and a reputable doctor won’t perform LASIK surgery on someone with one. Only a few people are ineligible for LASIK because of a strict set of guidelines designed to prevent severe complications and side effects. Young age, prior eye damage, pregnancy, dry eye syndrome, severe refractive errors, and many more are some risk factors.
Myth No. 4: LASIK surgery results only last a few years.
Fact: A large percentage of LASIK procedures provide the permanent refractive correction. After LASIK, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may occasionally regress; nevertheless, it is unlikely. The majority of practices provide you with free improvement surgery to counteract any severe regression. But some of you may be vulnerable to age-related vision changes like cataracts or macular degeneration development. However, the results of the refractive correction achieved with LASIK are long-lasting.
Myth No. 5: LASIK results in blindness
According to the facts, it is one of the most widespread LASIK surgery myths. There are no documented instances of LASIK surgery leading to blindness. Complications and issues with LASIK surgery are rare because doctors are carefully chosen.
Myth No. 6: LASIK is still a relatively new procedure, and the potential long-term adverse effects are unknown.
LASIK surgery has been performed frequently for more than 25 years, with an excessively high success rate. Long-term studies have produced encouraging findings, helping to make LASIK the most popular refractive procedure. Because both technology and medicine have advanced, LASIK has a few complications.
Myth No. 7: Only people who are nearsighted can get LASIK.
Fact Presented: When LASIK was first made available to the public, it was only used as a nearsightedness treatment. But a lot has altered since then. In addition to correcting nearsightedness, LASIK can also correct farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and other refractive errors. While there are other treatments, including monovision, blended vision, and multifocal LASIK, that can treat presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), traditional LASIK cannot address the underlying cause of presbyopia.
Myth No. 8: Most individuals cannot afford LASIK surgery.
Fact Clarified: As technology has improved and LASIK has grown in popularity, the procedure rate has dropped remarkably over time. Along with vision insurance coverage, several financing options are available to help you make LASIK treatment more affordable.
Myth No. 9: My age precludes LASIK.
To put it simply, No One Is Too Old For LASIK. The only age restriction for LASIK surgery is that many surgeons advise delaying the procedure until you’re at least 18 years old. Without a doubt, LASIK surgery is not only for younger patients. A large number of healthy eyesight individuals in their 40s, 50s, and 60s would be excellent LASIK candidates.
That said, there is a relationship between age and LASIK candidacy. Your eyes are more susceptible to several conditions as you age, which may prevent you from having LASIK. Three typical age-related eye conditions include macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Myth No. 10: After LASIK surgery, recovery takes so long.
Fact Clarified: After the procedure, you might experience improved vision immediately. A full LASIK recovery is anticipated to occur within 24 hours. No matter what, LASIK patients shouldn’t anticipate a lot of downtimes.
Myth No. 11: The laser is scorching your eyes, and you can smell it.
One of the biggest myths surrounding LASIK surgery is this one. During the process, you won’t notice the searing scent of flesh. It’s not your eyeball burning when you occasionally smell the laser’s fumes during longer surgeries.
Myth No. 12: If I blink, move around, or sneeze, I can mess up my procedure.
Many patients worry that by moving during the surgery, they would somehow permanently harm their eyes. With all the safety measures already in place, this is incredibly unlikely.
Modern automated trackers used by Cullom & Farah follow the motions of the eye and maintain the laser’s precise centring in the pupil. The laser moves with you. The device cuts off if you blink or glance too far to the side. The system has built-in safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LASIK has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective procedure and is the world’s safest, most effective, and most researched elective procedure. Are you prepared for your LASIK consultation now that you are aware of some of the most common myths and facts about LASIK eye surgery? Make an appointment today with the best and most qualified LASIK surgeons!
