LASIK has become an increasingly popular procedure since its development in the 90s.
While laser eye surgery is a common procedure, there are still some LASIK surgery myths and misconceptions.
Here at Eye LASIK Austin, we are committed to patient education and safety. Ets debunk some of these myths.
In this article, we will explain what LASIK misconceptions are around, as well as the benefits of LASIK surgery. And if you’re asking yourself ‘Is LASIK safe?’ we’ll cover that too!
Read on to learn more about:
- An overview of LASIK surgery
- If LASIK surgery is invasive
- If the results of LASIK are temporary
- If LASIK is only used to correct nearsightedness
- If the surgery really takes months to recover from
- Is LASIK safe
Let’s get into it!
LASIK Surgery: An Overview
LASIK, short for laser in situ keratomileusis, is a common laser eye surgery, which helps people to see better.
First developed in the 90s, the procedure has become very common, thanks to its fast healing times, and good results.
The surgery corrects how the light enters the eye through the cornea, meaning that the person will no longer need to wear contact lenses or glasses.
Myth 1: LASIK Surgery is Painfully Invasive
One of the LASIK misconceptions is that the procedure is very painful. If you have seen photos of the procedure, it is easy to understand why.
However, the surgeons operating on your eye numb your eyes, which prevent you feeling any pain or discomfort.
You will also likely be given a small dose of diazepam, or another sedative, that relaxes you and takes away a lot of the anxiety associated with surgery.
The LASIK techniques used at Eye LASIK Austin are also considered as being non-invasive, because they use lasers, instead of other surgical techniques.
Myth 2: LASIK Results are Temporary
The truth about LASIK results is that they are designed to achieve long term vision improvements.
While some people will need retreatment, studies have found that 95% of people remain at a -2.0 or better prescription after 10 years of LASIK surgery.
Patients at Eye LASIK Austin commonly report being pleasantly surprised with how their results have held up, surpassing their long term expectations.
Myth 3: LASIK Corrects Only Nearsightedness
Another LASIK misconception is that LASIK is only able to fix nearsightedness.
However, the surgery is able to correct farsightedness (when you cannot see up close) as well as astigmatism. The cornea, which is corrected with lasers during LASIK, is responsible for many vision disorders, which can be fixed by LASIK.
EYE LASIK in Austin also offers procedures such as the refractive lens exchange, which protects you from ever developing cataracts.
Myth 4: Recovery from LASIK Takes Months
Like any surgery, there will be a period of time that your body needs to fully heal and recover. Here is an estimated recover timeline which you may expect:
- First 24 hours: During this time your eyes will be sensitive. It is important to rest your eyes, wear eye shields/sunglasses and any eye drops you may be prescribed
- 48 Hours: After 48 hours you will likely be asked to attend a follow up appointment to check your progress
- First week: The first week after surgery is when most people start to notice their vision improving. Whilst you should avoid some sports such as swimming, you will be able to participate in most activities.
- 1 month: In 1 month you will have almost fully recovered, most people will achieve their best eyesight in this timeframe.
Eye LASIK Austin will carefully monitor your progress after the procedure, to ensure that your eyes are healing as they should.
During these appointments you will be able to ask any questions and share any concerns you may have.
Myth 5: LASIK is Not Safe
LASIK is considered a very safe procedure, especially because it is non-invasive.
Studies looking at people who have undergone laser eye surgery and checked up on them for 12 years concluded that “All results suggest that both PRK and FS-LASIK techniques are safe and effective in the long term.”
LASIK is considered safe, and effective. According to a 2016 study looking at LASIK surgery outcomes, 99.5% of eyes saw 20/40 or better after LASIK.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about LASIK surgery to improve your eyesight, it is important to seek accurate and reliable information.
Here at Eye LASIK Surgery, we are committed not only to provide world-class care, but also inform our patients about the facts.
LASIK surgery is a minimally invasive surgery, which is known for its fast recovery times. The procedure uses lasers to correct a number of errors in eyesight, and delivers long term, safe results.
If you think you could benefit from LASIK surgery, schedule Your LASIK Consultation. A surgeon can assess your eyes, and talk to you about the procedure, to see if it is right for you.
Scheduling Your Consultation
If you are tired of wearing glasses and contact lenses, it may be time to schedule Your LASIK Consultation.
Eye LASIK Austin provides free initial consultations. During this appointment a doctor will observe your eyes, and explain how the procedure works.
Eye LASIK uses cutting edge technology to scan and map your eyes, to make sure you are the perfect candidate for LASIK.
What are you waiting for? Book your free consultation with our trusted doctors today.
