LASIK Myths vs. Facts

So often, we hear patients talk about things they have heard about LASIK that have made them nervous about the procedure.  Many of the things that have made the patient hesitant are not true at all!  Trust the experts at Moran Eye Associates to separate the myths from the facts.

We want to make sure that you are well-informed and are making the right decision, so only rely on trusted, medical sites as your source of information. Here are some of the myths we hear most often, you may have heard some of these myths as well…

Myth: LASIK is painful.

Fact:  Numbing drops are used before and during the surgery, so LASIK is not painful.  Some patients note that they feel pressure when the flap is created, but the application of the laser causes no pain at all. A cool laser is used, so there is no heat generated during the procedure.

Myth:  If I blink during surgery, I’ll ruin my outcome.

Fact:  During the procedure, your eye is held open with a lid holder, which prevents your eye from blinking. Drops are applied during the treatment, so your eye feels comfortable, it doesn’t feel dry.

Myth:  I won’t be able to drive or work for a week.

Fact:  Most patients drive themselves to their appointment the day after surgery.  Depending on your occupation, you may go to work the next day as wellsisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.cc.

Myth: You could become blind after LASIK surgery.

Fact: No one in the United States has ever gone blind from LASIK Surgery. With LASIK, only the surface of the eye is treated, so the risk of complications is very low.

Myth: If you are unhappy with your outcome after surgery, there is nothing that you can do about it.

Fact:  Nationwide, more than 95% of LASIK patients are satisfied with their vision after LASIK. If you are one of the few patients who are not happy, enhancement options are available.  If your problem is due to a chronic dry eye problem (keratitis sicca), there are medications and procedures that can treat dry eye.

Myth: LASIK is new, no long-term side effects and complications are unknown.

Fact:  Since the procedure has now been performed safely for over 25 years, we now have seen LASIK patients over a longer period of time.  There are no significant long-term side effects from modern LASIK.

Myth: I have an astigmatism, so I’m not a candidate.

Fact: With current technology, LASIK can correct an astigmatism with great success!  LASIK is a good option for vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Myth: A successful LASIK surgery means you will never need eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Fact:  While LASIK is a permanent reshaping of the cornea, LASIK does not prevent the normal aging of the eye (presbyopia).  As you approach your 40’s, you may need reading glasses, whether you have had LASIK or not. Some LASIK patients may also prefer to wear corrective lenses on a part-time basis for specific tasks where they have a need for more precise vision.