Are you tired of wearing glasses, contacts, or reading glasses? Have you wondered if laser eye surgery would work for you?
There are many myths about LASIK and laser eye surgery. They often stem from old information about previous types of procedures. Continue reading to learn the facts.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is the medical abbreviation for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. This describes a type of laser eye surgery. The goal is to reshape the cornea of the eye.
The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye. Changing its shape causes light to refract through it in a different manner. LASIK for myopia is one of the most common reasons for the procedure.
Myopia is commonly called nearsightedness. This procedure is designed to decrease or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK and Laser Eye Surgery Procedure Explained
The LASIK procedure is performed in the office. Your doctor will numb your eyes with special eye drops. Next, they’ll place a tiny spring under your eyelids to keep them open.
A thin layer of bubbles is created in the cornea using a laser. These bubbles are at specific depth to make a flap in the cornea. A second laser is then used to make changes in the shape of your cornea that correct your vision.
The flap is then repositioned where it will heal on its own without stitches. The doctor typically performs the procedure on both eyes on the same day. The procedure usually takes between 5 and 7 minutes on each eye.
Common Myths About Eye Laser Surgery
Before dismissing LASIK or laser eye surgery, make sure you have the right information. These procedures are different than the original PRK treatments. There are many myths about these procedures.
Myth: I Can’t Get LASIK Because I Have an Astigmatism
Fact: Most patients with astigmatism are now good candidates for the procedure with our modern technology. Astigmatism results from an irregular shape of the cornea. This changes how the light reaches the back of the eye, called the retina, causing blurred vision.
Since modern LASIK is very precise in the way it reshapes the cornea, it can typically solve this problem.
If you have a corneal disease such as keratoconus, you may not be a good candidate. This condition causes the cornea to get weaker over time. Thus, the cornea isn’t structurally sound enough to safely have LASIK.
Myth: The LASIK Procedure and Recovery Is Very Painful
Fact: Most LASIK surgery patients don’t feel any pain. They sometimes say they feel a little pressure. That pressure often only lasts a few seconds.
Our doctors offer patients medication to help them relax during the surgery. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Many patients notice improvement within 15 minutes and can return to normal activity in about 24 hours. After surgery, it’s common to feel some itching and burning. This will go away in a short time.
Myth: LASIK Will Give Me Perfect Vision for the Rest of My Life
Fact: The American Refractive Surgery Council reports that you may have vision changes after LASIK. This can result from continued natural changes in your vision unrelated to LASIK. Examples include the progression of myopia, hyperopia or farsightedness, or astigmatism.
With age, most people develop presbyopia. This is difficulty reading and focussing on near objects that results from the lens inside the eye becoming less elastic. The lens is behind the cornea, so the changes made to the cornea aren’t related to lens changes.
The length of time that you will remain from free glasses and contact lenses after LASIK often depends on how old you were when you had the procedure. For most people, they can expect the need for reading glasses sometime after the age of 40..
Myth: I’m Too Old to Get LASIK
Fact: Many doctors recommend that patients wait until the age of 18 to have the procedure. On the other hand, there’s no upper age limit if you are healthy. Many people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s have LASIK procedures.
It’s important to note that with age, many people develop diseases in the eyes. This may make you a poor candidate for LASIK. Also, there may be other procedures that are a better option than LASIK for you as you age. Your consultation will help you determine the best procedure for you.
Myth: LASIK Can Cause Blindness
Fact: There are no recorded cases of blindness caused by a LASIK procedures. Some complications can occur, but they’re generally correctable.
Myth: There’s No Way I Can Afford for LASIK
Fact: The cost of laser eye surgeries has decreased over time. Some insurance policies provide some level of coverage. There are also financing plans available. What better thing to invest in than your vision, which you will appreciate every waking moment for the rest of your life?
Myth: LASIK Is Too New to Know About Long-Term Effects
Fact: Laser technology was first introduced in the early 1980s. The first U.S. patient received treatment in 1987. Laser eye procedures became more widely available during the mid-1990s.
In over 30 years, LASIK has become widely known as one of the safest procedures done today.
Myth: LASIK Is Just Too Risky
Fact: The LASIK eye procedure has a broad reputation as one of the safest elective procedures. The recovery period is brief and easy to complete. If a complication arises, it’s usually minor and treatable.
Patients who’ve had this procedure report incredibly high levels of satisfaction.
Myth: It’s Safer to Use Contact Lenses Than Have LASIK
Fact: Several studies have reported that LASIK may be a safer choice than contact lenses. Putting contact lenses in and taking them out every day increases your infection risk. When lenses aren’t cleaned or changed correctly, catastrophic complications can result.
Are You Interested in Laser Eye Surgery?
Would you like to improve your vision using laser eye surgery? Have you shied away from it because of misinformation? At Eye LASIK Austin, we understand your concerns and want to answer your questions.
Our expertly qualified team uses leading-edge technology to provide vision care. We work with you to provide a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. From there, we create a plan of care.
Our team will give you an honest opinion about whether LASIK is the right choice for you. Contact us today to ask questions and make an appointment.
