Top 5 Myths About LASIK Eye Surgery

Top 5 Myths About LASIK Eye Surgery

May 28th, 2024

LASIK is one of the most popular surgical procedures in America. Even though LASIK is safe and effective, the idea of getting eye surgery makes some people nervous.

However, myths about LASIK should not stop anyone who could benefit from laser vision correction. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK and why some common myths aren’t true!

Myth #1: It’s a Risky Procedure

LASIK has a very high rate of success and patient satisfaction. It also has a very high record of safety, with a very low rate of complications.

One of the reasons for the excellent safety records is due to the fact that eye doctors make sure that each patient is a good candidate for the procedure before they are allowed to schedule LASIK. Your eye doctor will review your health history, perform a thorough eye exam and ask you about your vision goals to make sure LASIK will deliver the results you want without undue risk.

In some cases, your eye doctor might suggest that a different vision correction procedure would be safer and more effective.  

Myth #2: It’s Painful

The very notion of eye surgery seems like it would be painful under any circumstances. However, the process actually causes minimal discomfort.

Your eyes will be numbed with special drops, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure itself. Afterward, you may experience some soreness, or your eyes might feel gritty, but the discomfort usually fades within a day or two. 

My #3: It Has a Long Recovery Time 

The recovery time for LASIK is surprisingly quick. Your LASIK surgeon will create a small flap in cornea, which heals naturally during your recovery period without the need for stitches.

It begins to heal as soon as the procedure has finished and the flap in your cornea has been replaced. You will be able to return to many of your normal activities within a week and your vision will gradually improve in the weeks after the procedure. 

Myth #4: LASIK Is Not as Effective as Glasses or Contacts

Some people believe that LASIK is not as effective at correcting vision problems as traditional methods like glasses or contact lenses. However, this is a misconception.

In fact, LASIK has been shown to be just as effective, if not more so, than glasses or contacts for many patients. In some cases, patients may even achieve vision that is better than what is possible with glasses or contacts.

One of the main advantages of LASIK over glasses or contacts is that it can provide a more natural form of vision correction. With LASIK, the cornea is reshaped to correct vision problems at the source, rather than relying on external devices like glasses or contacts to compensate for these issues.

Additionally, LASIK eliminates many of the inconveniences and potential complications associated with glasses and contacts. You’ll no longer have to worry about losing or breaking your glasses, dealing with dry eyes or infections from contacts, or constantly updating your prescriptions.

Of course, no vision correction method is perfect, and LASIK may not be the best choice for everyone. Some patients may still require glasses or contacts for certain activities, like reading or driving at night, even after LASIK.

Myth #5: LASIK Is Only for Moderate Vision Correction

There is a common misconception that LASIK is only suitable for people with mild to moderate vision problems and that those with more severe prescriptions are not good candidates for the procedure. However, this is not necessarily true.

Advances in LASIK technology have made it possible to effectively treat a wider range of vision problems than ever before. Many people with high prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can now achieve excellent results with LASIK.

Do you want to learn more about LASIK or determine if it’s the right laser vision correction procedure for you? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!