When talking about eye surgery, LASIK is the most popular procedure. But despite its popularity, there are many myths and misconceptions about laser eye surgery. And before you go in for the procedure, you need to get the facts straight.
LASIK is one of the most common vision correction procedures available, and it’s applicable to a wide range of vision problems. This is why all the misinformation around the procedure can be dangerous. And today, we’re looking at common myths around laser eye surgery.
Staying informed is crucial when going in for lasik surgery, and we’re here to stop the misinformation. Keep reading as we debunk the myths and correct misconceptions!
Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery
Before getting into the myths, let’s talk about LASIK laser eye surgery. Firstly, LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery, and it’s not the only laser surgery available.
The term LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. The LASIK procedure is always performed with a laser beam to reshape the cornea and focus light on the retina.
People with myopia, hyperopia, and blurred vision suffer from uneven and irregularly shaped corneas. This means that light doesn’t focus on their retina, which is why they have blurry vision. Typically, patients use glasses or contact lenses to refocus the light to the retina.
However, LASIK technology offers a way for patients to completely correct their vision. During LASIK, the eye surgeon makes a small incision to make a corneal flap. This allows them to focus the excimer laser on your eye and slowly correct the shape of your cornea.
The entire procedure takes less than an hour. Once the doctor reshapes the cornea, they put the corneal flap back. Right after the procedure, your eyes may feel irritated, and your vision will be blurry, so make sure you have someone to take you home after.
All right, so now that we’ve cleared out what LASIK laser eye surgery is, let’s talk about the myths and misconceptions.
Popular LASIK Surgery Myths Debunked!
Despite its popularity, there’s a lot of misinformation about laser eye surgery out there. So, let’s talk about the most common ones and get the facts straight!
The Benefits of LASIK Surgery Fade
One of the most common misconceptions about laser eye surgery is that the benefits are temporary. While a few patients report that the benefits of laser eye surgery faded after many years, most patients experience the benefits for a lifetime. Laser eye surgery is a delicate and advanced process, and when done right, you can expect benefits to last many years.
In fact, most people report that they don’t need to wear glasses and contact lenses just weeks after the initial surgery. So, speak to your doctor to see if this vision correction procedure is right for you.
LASIK Eye Surgery Is Painful
The thought of a laser reshaping your cornea is scary. However, uneven tissue removal during laser eye surgery is completely painless. In fact, most people report that the only unpleasant thing about the procedure was the odour, which they describe as similar to burnt hair.
That said, you don’t have to worry about any pain during laser eye surgery. Before the operation, the laser eye surgeon will place numbing eye drops, so you don’t feel anything throughout the entire operation.
You Can’t Undergo Laser Vision Correction for Astigmatism
Laser eye surgery works for various eye conditions. While laser treatment is most commonly used for myopia and hyperopia, you can also undergo laser surgery for astigmatism. Just like with myopia and hyperopia, astigmatism occurs when the person’s eyeball or cornea is irregularly shaped.
Laser eye treatment aims to reshape the cornea, which is why you can also get this surgical procedure to correct your astigmatism.
LASIK Surgery Is a New Procedure
There are many people apprehensive about LASIK because they believe it’s a new operation. And while laser refractive surgery sounds futuristic, it’s been around for a long time. Surgeons have been performing this procedure since the 1980s, and since then, millions of people have undergone laser eye surgery.
There have been countless studies and trials on the safety and efficacy of LASIK. So, if you’re weighing your vision correction options, you might want to talk to your doctor about possibly undergoing LASIK.
Anyone Can Get LASIK Surgery
LASIK is a common procedure that works for many conditions. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery. This is why it’s important to speak to your doctor and ask if laser refractive eye surgery is the right option for you.
That way, the doctor can assess your overall health and medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK.
All LASIK Operations Use the Same Lasers
There are various lasers used for eye surgery. Some are ideal for correcting a nearsighted eye, while others are ideal for conditions caused by an eye injury. During the consultation, your doctor will decide which laser would be best for your condition.
Eye Surgery, LASIK, Has a Long Recovery Time
LASIK isn’t a complicated procedure, and the healing process is generally short. Immediately after LASIK surgery, you won’t be able to see properly, and your eyes may feel irritated. However, the discomfort disappears within 1-3 days, and you will start feeling the results within a few weeks!
In fact, many patients report that they can start driving and performing everyday activities just a week after the procedure.
Should You Get LASIK Surgery?
If you’re done wearing contact lenses and glasses, LASIK might be the best option for you. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea and focusing light on the retina, giving people clear vision. This is a very common procedure that works for various conditions.
But before you speak to your eye doctor about getting LASIK, you need to know the facts. There are tons of misconceptions about LASIK that scare people away.
However, when you look at the data and studies, you’ll find that LASIK is a common, safe, and highly effective procedure.
