It can be hard to know where to turn for information about laser vision correction. In the recent past, the media has been peppered with conflicting stories about this procedure. As a result, a lot of myths about the surgery have developed.
Below, we will address some of the most common myths about LASIK.
Myth 1: The Procedure Will Hurt
Fact: LASIK is NOT Painful
Most of our patients say they feel nothing more than a minor sensation during laser vision correction, if anything at all. The most typical sensation felt is a bit of pressure on the eye and nothing more. We properly prepare you before your procedure by giving you numbing eye drops to ensure that the experience is painless.
Myth 2: Post-Procedure Recovery is Slow
Fact: You'll Be Back in Action in 24 Hours
The recovery period following LASIK is short, so you’ll be back to your normal day-to-day routine in as little as 24 hours after your procedure. You can then begin to quickly enjoy the benefits of life-changing laser vision correction.
Myth 3: LASIK is Simply Too Risky
Fact: LASIK is One of the Safest Elective Procedures in the World
LASIK is widely considered to be one of the safest elective procedures in modern medicine with a smooth recovery period. The procedure yields high levels of patient satisfaction. Isn’t it time you were one of those happy patients?
Myth 4: I'm Too Young or Too Old to Undergo LASIK
Fact: Minimum Required Age for LASIK is 18 but There is No Upper Age Limit
For patients who are 40 and above we have to make sure their eyes are healthy. Specifically we have to check whether the process of Cataract has started and whether the retina is not affected due to age. This we do for all patients but we're very specific about these things for patients 40 and above.
Myth 5: LASIK Can Only Treat One Specific Eye Condition
Fact: LASIK Can Treat Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness) and Astigmatism
Our procedures are designed to treat multiple eye conditions, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
Myth 6: Results of LASIK Do Not Last Long
Fact: The Procedure is Designed to Deliver Long Lasting Results
The LASIK procedure is designed to treat common eye conditions in a long-lasting manner, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits of laser vision correction for a prolonged period of time. LASIK has been performed for over three decades and countless patients have been happy with their long-term visual outcomes. Results of laser treatment are permanent however changes that occur in the eye due to old age cannot be prevented. These will happen to everyone regardless of whether they get laser treatment done or not.
Myth 7: The Corneal Flap Never Heals
Fact: The Flap Starts to Heal Within a Day of Having the Surgery.
To reshape the cornea, the doctor has to first access it. This involves creating a corneal flap. Once the surgery is over, the flap is laid back into place to heal on its own. Some people believe that the flap never actually heals. However, this is not true. The flap starts to heal within one day of having the surgery.
Myth 8: Contact Lenses Are Much Safer Than LASIK
Fact: Your Safest Bet is to Let Go of the Contact Lenses
Maybe you’ve heard that contact lenses are ultra-safe, but time and time again, research has shown that long-term use of soft contacts is actually much riskier than LASIK. The potential for infection is high with daily contact lens wear.
This post originally appeared on LasikMD.