Over the years, many myths have circulated about LASIK surgery. We want to set the record straight about these tall tales and make sure you know the facts about Houston LASIK before deciding if it’s right for you.
Dispelling Houston LASIK Myths
Myth: Anyone can get LASIK.
Fact: While many, many patients are great candidates for laser eye surgery, it’s not the best option for everyone. Some health problems increase the risk of a bad outcome. Eye issues such as thin corneas or eye disease may also rule LASIK out as an option. A thorough evaluation by an experienced eye doctor is vital to determine whether you are a candidate for this vision correction procedure.
Myth: LASIK can only correct nearsightedness.
Fact: All of the most common refractive errors are correctable with LASIK – nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, although a number of other factors go into deciding who is a candidate for the surgery. For those with severe refractive errors, for example, your doctor may suggest a different refractive surgery.
Myth: LASIK is such a new procedure that no one knows what the long-term effects are.
Fact: The first laser vision correction in the United States was performed in 1987 – that’s more than 25 years ago. While technology has changed in that time, the same is true of almost all medical procedures. The side effects of modern LASIK procedures are usually mild and resolve quickly after surgery. Significant complications are very rare.
Myth: If you choose the cheapest LASIK surgeon, you’ll get the same results and save money.
Fact: LASIK surgery is first and foremost a medical procedure. The success of your vision correction depends very much on the skill of the surgeon performing the surgery. While there are plenty of facilities that offer laser vision correction for a very low price, this lower cost is often achieved by reducing the quality of care, using less experienced surgeons and medical staff, and cutting out important patient screening procedures and post-op care.
Myth: LASIK will hurt.
Fact: During laser vision surgery, numbing drops are used on your eyes. You will feel slight pressure when the corneal flap is created, but you will not feel pain. After surgery when the numbing drops wear off, patients sometimes have a feeling of grittiness in their eyes for a short time. The mild discomfort can be relieved by ibuprofen, and is often gone entirely when you wake up from the recommended post-surgery nap.
Myth: If I have LASIK, I’ll never need glasses again.
Fact: Laser eye surgery corrects refractive errors, but it doesn’t prevent the normal changes that your eyes experience as you age. For many LASIK patients, just like for everyone else, reading glasses may become necessary after a certain age. Cataracts also start to develop as we age usually starting in our 60s. When patients have cataracts, they often require glasses.
Frequently Asked Question About LASIK
Is LASIK right for me?
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced eye doctor. He or she will perform a complete exam and review your medical history to be sure that you do not have any conditions that would make LASIK unsafe.
What can I expect on the day of my LASIK surgery?
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. You will arrive at the surgery center and be given numbing eye drops. The surgeon will then create a thin flap in your cornea and lift it back so that he or she can access the inner tissue. A laser will be used to reshape the tissue and correct your vision. The flap is then put back in place and allowed to heal.
What can I expect after LASIK surgery?
Most people experience some degree of discomfort for the first day or two after surgery. Your eyes may feel dry, scratchy, or gritty. You may also have mild blurry vision. These side effects are normal and usually resolve on their own within a week or two. You will need to take it easy for the first few days after surgery but in most cases can return to work the next day.
When will I see results from LASIK?
Most people notice a significant improvement in their vision within a day or two of surgery. Your eyes will continue to heal and improve over the next few months.
Find Out More About LASIK Today!
Now that we’ve dispelled these Houston LASIK myths, the next step is determining if you’re a candidate. Learn more about this vision correction procedure and find out if you’re a candidate by scheduling a consultation today with Berkeley Eye Center’s experienced Houston LASIK surgeons.