While laser eye surgery has been around for a long time, misconceptions about LASIK still exist.
More than 105 million Americans have eye conditions that seriously impair their vision, and many hundreds of thousands undergo LASIK surgery annually. The patient satisfaction rate post-surgery is between 95% and 99% — so, it’s clear the vast majority like the end results.
It’s true that the procedure isn’t appropriate for everyone, but you don’t want to make hasty decisions based on misconceptions that you may think are true. The procedure can be life-changing, so you don’t want to miss out just because you failed to do your research.
Keep reading to learn about six of the most common errors people believe about the popular eye correction procedure — as well as the truth of the matter.
1. LASIK Is New and Experimental
A popular myth is that LASIK is a new or untested surgical option — one with major risks attached. Any surgery carries some risk, but refer to the patient satisfaction rate above. When up to 99% of patients say they’re satisfied with the results post-LASIK surgery, that’s saying something. LASIK has been around for decades now — with millions of procedures performed.
LASIK surgeons use advanced lasers, precise tracking methods, and comprehensive corneal mapping to treat patients’ eyes. If a LASIK surgeon finds you’re a good candidate, the odds are it’ll be successful. So, you can safely conclude it’s incorrect to say that LASIK is experimental.
Consulting with a LASIK surgeon is the best thing you can do to see if the vision correction surgery is a good option for your specific case.
2. LASIK Is Extremely Painful
Another myth is that LASIK is an intensely painful surgical experience and that the pain lingers well after the surgeon completes the procedure. That notion is off base, however. In reality, most patients report minimal pain. Surgeons apply numbing eye drops to patients’ eyes before starting the LASIK procedure, and the procedure itself usually lasts only a few minutes per eye.
Some patients say there’s a short-lived sensation of discomfort during the laser portion. After surgery, temporary symptoms such as dryness, mild irritation, or light sensitivity are common. However, these symptoms typically subside within days to weeks.
3. LASIK Results Don’t Last
Yet another common belief is that LASIK results don’t last long enough to make the procedure worthwhile. But for many people, LASIK provides long-lasting eye correction results. Once the cornea heals and stabilizes, vision improvements are usually permanent.
However, LASIK doesn’t stop the natural aging process of the eyes. That means age-related eye issues like presbyopia can still occur. In such cases, it’s not that LASIK was unsuccessful — it’s that the procedure won’t safeguard patients from the natural effects of aging.
4. Only Young People Can Get LASIK
There is a widespread assumption that LASIK is only good for young folks — those in their twenties or early thirties. While younger adults account for many of the people who undergo the procedure, age isn’t the only thing that factors into eligibility.
More critical factors include stable vision, adequate corneal thickness, healthy eyes, and the absence of certain eye ailments. Getting a comprehensive evaluation from an eye care professional is the only way to determine whether LASIK is a viable option for you.
5. LASIK Eliminates the Need for Eye Care
Some people believe that once LASIK is done, they no longer have to worry about proper eye care. Nothing could be further from reality, though. LASIK can lessen or eliminate the need for corrective lenses, but it doesn’t mean you no longer need regular eye exams.
Ongoing eye care is vital for monitoring overall eye health. So, while LASIK corrects refractive errors, it doesn’t make the eyes immune to disease or injury.
6. Everyone Is a Good Candidate for LASIK
Another misconception is the belief that LASIK is ideal for everyone. It is suitable for many people, but some people make better candidates than others. Factors such as corneal thickness and unstable prescriptions can affect candidacy.
A comprehensive exam by a LASIK surgeon is the best way to assess patient suitability. You can ask questions and easily weed out whatever misinformation you might have picked up before.
Making an Informed Decision
While LASIK is not suitable for everyone, it has helped millions of people improve their vision and lessen their dependence on glasses or contacts. Understanding what people often get wrong about LASIK can make the decision-making process much easier.
