Every procedure, particularly elective procedures like LASIK, requires careful introspection on the part of the patient. You must spend time weighing the prospective benefits and risks to decide whether the procedure is right for you. But with so much misinformation circulating the Internet, it can be hard to know where to turn for accurate facts about LASIK.
Below, the team at Vista Eye Specialists sets the record straight on some of the LASIK myths you may have read or heard.
The Procedure Is Painful or Lengthy
Nobody likes to think about experiencing pain during a medical procedure; luckily, with LASIK, pain is not a big concern. Prior to the surgery, numbing drops are applied to the eyes to prevent discomfort. A sedative medication can also be taken for an additional calming effect. Many patients report only a brief moment of pressure as the flap is made in the outer cornea. The laser treatment is applied quickly within seconds and the procedure is over within minutes.
LASIK Cannot Treat Farsightedness and Astigmatism
Initially LASIK was only used to correct nearsightedness. Thanks to the evolution of LASIK technology, the surgery is now recommended to treat many cases of farsightedness and astigmatism.
Anyone Can Undergo LASIK
Not everyone is well-suited to LASIK. To qualify for surgery, candidates must meet a certain set of criteria pertaining to ocular and general health. These criteria are intended to reduce the risk of serious complications and side effects.
For instance, anyone with active eye infections or eye diseases is advised to postpone or avoid LASIK. Another important qualification for LASIK surgery is sufficient corneal thickness; your cornea will be measured prior to surgery to ensure it can withstand the modifications made during surgery.
The Results of LASIK “Wear Off”
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to improve the eye’s focusing power. A femtosecond laser is used to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape its curvature. Once corneal tissue has been removed, it cannot grow back, so the results do not “wear off.”
However, LASIK does not prevent the eyes from continuing to age. At a certain point after LASIK surgery — usually many years later — patients may need reading glasses for the correction of presbyopia, or the age-related loss of reading vision.
LASIK Is Not Affordable
If you compare the one-time cost of LASIK to what you would spend on glasses and contact lenses for 10 to 15 years, you are likely to conclude that LASIK is a good investment. Financing options through companies like Wells Fargo allow you to have LASIK and pay for it in affordable monthly increments with no interest.
To talk through your LASIK options with a trusted team, please contact Vista Eye Specialists and request a consultation today.
