LASIK refractive surgery is a procedure that uses lasers to reshape the cornea to correct vision and has been a popular method for vision correction for decades. It was FDA approved in the 1990’s and has a very high success rate. But many people still have questions and concerns about it, stemming from a lot of confusion and misconceptions about how it works and if it is safe. Let’s explore some of the myths and discover how LASIK eye surgery works.
The Eye Care Solutions team and Dr. Vishal Patel have the years of experience and expertise to help with an array of eye issues to help decide what LASIK eye surgery and other treatments can do for you.
Myth: LASIK surgery is painful and does lasting damage.
Some typical concerns assume that the laser will hurt, that it is not safe, and that the damage it does can affect you for years.
Fact: The procedure itself is not painful, and tons of clinical data have established it as being among the safest medical procedures you can get. You will be anesthetized during the surgery and it only takes about 15 minutes.
The current technology for the process allows for very high precision that can be used to customize it for individual patient needs to reduce side effects. Most side effects (dry eye, vision changes, glare, halos, and double vision among others) from the procedure will clear up in as little as a few weeks.
Myth: LASIK surgery can blind you, or worse.
The fear of going blind from a procedure designed to help you see better is common, and often people are fearful of something like a laser going into their eyes when they don’t understand how the process works.
Fact: In truth, the technology makes it possible to reshape the cornea in a way that wasn’t possible before refractive surgery. This makes it possible to treat near and farsightedness, astigmatism, and other vision problems in a way that improves your vision directly in a way you can’t get with glasses or contacts. Once again, the side effects are temporary and minor. Serious complications happen infrequently, and no one has gone blind from LASIK Surgery.
Myth: You will never wear glasses after LASIK surgery.
Since the surgery is designed to correct vision, it’s easy to think that you’ll never have to worry about glasses or contacts again.
Fact: In reality, LASIK surgery does not stop the effects of natural aging of the eyes. As you age, you may eventually get presbyopia, a loss of focusing power for nearsighted objects, which can’t always be corrected using LASIK surgery.
Also if you have stronger issues with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may need what is called a retreatment, as the benefits of the procedure may weaken enough over time to make it necessary. Many of these factors also depend on the health of your eyes when getting the surgery.
Many factors regarding your health (including many not directly related to the eyes) will decide whether or not the procedure is right for you. You will need an optometrist that can specifically target and address your needs. Call or make an online appointment to see what Eye Care Solutions and Dr. Patel can do for you.
