9 LASIK Myths

It’s hard to believe now, but there was a time when LASIK surgery was considered experimental. The procedure first gained widespread acceptance in the early 2000s, and since then it has become one of the most popular forms of vision correction surgery in the world. It’s the perfect solution for those who want independence from contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Despite its widespread popularity, there are still many misconceptions about LASIK eye surgery. In this post, we debunk some of the most common LASIK myths so that you can make an informed decision about whether the procedure is right for you.

Myth 1: The effects of the LASIK procedure wear off over time

LASIK surgery is intended to be a permanent solution for refractive errors. However, some people believe that the effects of the surgery can wear off over time. This is simply not true.

LASIK surgery changes the shape of your cornea, which is the clear outer layer of your eye. During the procedure, your cornea is permanently reshaped. It is possible for your vision to change over time, but this is due to factors such as aging or disease, and it is not a result of LASIK surgery itself.

And, if your vision does change after LASIK surgery, it is usually possible to have a touch-up procedure to correct the issue.

Myth 2: Anyone can get LASIK

While the pool of potential LASIK candidates is ever-expanding, there are some pre-requisites. In general, to qualify for LASIK, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have had stable vision for at least two years
• Not be pregnant or nursing
• Not have any pre-existing medical conditions that could affect the healing process
• Not have any active eye diseases or infections

These are several of the requirements for LASIK candidacy. To find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK, you’ll need to consult with a qualified eye surgeon. If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, there are other laser vision correction procedures, such as PRK, that may work for you.

Myth 3: I can’t have LASIK. I have astigmatism.

Have you heard that you can’t have LASIK if you have astigmatism? You’ve been misinformed. In fact, LASIK can be an excellent option for people with astigmatism, which occurs when the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) is curved or shaped irregularly. This can cause blurred vision at all distances. LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that can correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness by reshaping the cornea.

In most cases, LASIK can eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses altogether. So, if you’ve been told that you’re not a candidate for LASIK because of your astigmatism, get a second opinion from one of our qualified eye doctors. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that LASIK could be the right choice for you.

Myth 4: Recovery is Slow

If you’ve been considering LASIK but have been putting it off because you’re worried about a long and painful recovery, we have some good news for you: the recovery from LASIK is actually quite short! In fact, most patients report feeling little to no pain after the procedure and can return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Where did this rumor begin? For one, most people don’t have extensive experience with outpatient laser eye surgery. Since LASIK is surgical procedure, it can be natural to assume that the recovery process will be slow and painful. While there may be some minor discomfort immediately after the procedure, this is typically short-lived, and you can easily manage it with over-the-counter pain medication.

Of course, everyone heals differently, and some patients may experience more discomfort than others, but the vast majority of people find that the recovery from LASIK is much easier than they expected.

Learn more about LASIK recovery here.

Myth 5: It hurts

Many people ask whether LASIK surgery hurts. In reality, the vast majority of patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients say it’s similar to having your eyes checked or putting in contact lenses.

You may feel slight pressure or minor discomfort during the numbing process, but this only lasts a few seconds. After the numbing eye drops have taken effect, most patients report feeling nothing at all. Some people may experience some mild discomfort after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few hours.

Myth 6: LASIK can cause blindness

One of the most persistent myths about LASIK is that the surgery can cause blindness. This myth likely stems from the fact that LASIK or laser vision correction involves making an incision in the eye.

However, it’s important to understand that the incision made during LASIK is extremely small and does not damage the eye in any way. In fact, LASIK is actually one of the safest forms of surgery available today, with a very low complication rate.

Myth 7: All LASIK outcomes are the same

Most patients who have LASIK end up with 20/20 vision.

A small percentage of patients don’t end up with perfect vision. In some cases, this can be due to factors beyond the control of the LASIK surgeon, such as age-related changes in vision. However, it’s also important to remember that no two eyes are alike, and each patient’s individual physiology will play a role in their outcome.

Myth 8: Contact lenses are safer than LASIK

It’s a common misconception that contact lenses are safer than LASIK. After all, you’re not cutting into your eye when you put in a contact, right? Wrong. In fact, there are a number of risks associated with contact lenses that are not present with LASIK.

For example, contact lenses can cause corneal ulcers, which are open sores that are typically caused by infections. Ulcers can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. They can cause extensive scarring and possible blindness.

Contact lenses can also cause allergies and irritations. And if they’re not cleaned properly, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria which can lead to conjunctivitis, ulcers, and other conditions.

So, while it’s true that you’re not cutting into your eye when you put in a contact lens, there are plenty of other risks to consider before you decide which is right for you.

Myth 9: Complications are common

LASIK is a popular surgery that has helped millions of people with clear vision. However, there are still some misconceptions about the procedure. One common myth is that complications are common. In reality, LASIK is one of the safest elective procedures, with a complication rate of less than 1%.

Most of these complications are minor and can be easily treated. In rare cases, more serious LASIK complications can occur, but these are usually the result of an underlying condition that was not detected before the surgery.

So, if you’re considering LASIK, don’t let myths about complications stop you from getting the procedure. With modern technology and experienced refractive surgeons, the risks are very low.

Refer to our frequently asked questions for more LASIK truths

Live Your LASIK Truth

Say goodbye to these common LASIK myths. Laser surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. In fact, with millions of procedures performed around the world, it’s one of the most popular forms of surgery available today. If you’re considering LASIK consultation, don’t let myths about the procedure stop you from getting the LASIK treatment you need. Instead, come to Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers in Texas for a comprehensive eye exam and to discuss your LASIK surgery hopes and fears. We specialize in laser vision correction and cataract surgery. So, you’re in good hands with our accomplished surgical team.

Contact us today to set up an appointment or to ask questions you may have.