Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

Laser vision correction is a permanent method of correcting refractive vision errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). The process involves reshaping the cornea, the clear dome-shaped lens covering the front part of the eye so that the light is refracted correctly onto the retina at the back of the eye where the image is interpreted by the brain. There are several different types of laser eye surgery, each considered to be very safe and effective, with the majority of patients able to enjoy clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses following their treatment.

Undergoing any sort of laser eye surgery procedure is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. Not everyone is a laser eye surgery candidate, so it is important to take time to do your research and look at both the benefits and disadvantages of having laser vision correction.

The Pros of Laser Eye Surgery

There are many benefits associated with choosing laser eye surgery to correct your vision. Some of the most popular include:

Laser Eye Surgery Is a Single Cost

Although laser eye surgery does have an upfront cost, once you have paid for treatment, there are no more ongoing costs. The same can’t be said for wearing glasses or contact lenses, and depending on which you choose, you can expect to have to continue to pay for eye tests, frames, lenses, maintenance, cleaning solution, and more for the foreseeable future. Not only does this incur a financial cost, but is also an inconvenience as you will need to visit your eye doctor much more regularly.

A Permanent Solution

Laser vision correction is designed to improve your eyesight permanently. The majority of patients never require any further vision correction treatment.

Enjoy The Convenience of No Glasses or Contact Lenses

Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be effective, but they aren’t without their limitations and inconveniences. With glasses, you have to remember to take them with you, change them when necessary, and keep them clean and safe. Contact lenses require careful handling too, they aren’t suitable for everyone and they need to be cleaned and stored properly to prevent eye infections and other issues. All of these issues and more can be avoided by choosing laser eye surgery.

Participate in Activities You Might Otherwise Be Excluded From

It can be impossible to wear glasses or contact lenses during some activities, with swimming, snowboarding, and contact sports being perfect examples. Some people even find it difficult to wear glasses while driving at night due to reflections and glare. You shouldn’t have to choose between your day-to-day life and your vision, and laser vision correction means that you don’t have to.

It’s Virtually Painless and Delivers Fast Results

One of the biggest worries that patients have about laser vision correction is that it will be painful. Rest assured that all procedures are performed using local anesthetic and you won’t experience any discomfort during the procedure, though you may experience sensations like pressure. It’s normal for your eyes to feel a little irritated in the days following your surgery, but it should be easily managed and will resolve within a few days. You’ll also start to see the results of your treatment within 24 hours of your surgery, and your eyesight will continue to improve over the coming days and weeks.

The Cons of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery isn’t without some significant considerations. Some of the things that you may want to take into account when thinking about the cons of laser eye surgery include:

It is a Big Investment

Laser vision correction requires a financial commitment. Manhattan LASIK Center accepts credit cards and offers various payment plans to help you spread the cost of your treatment.

There is a Small Degree of Risk

As with all surgical procedures, there is a small degree of risk associated with laser eye surgery. The exact risks will depend on the precise laser vision surgery technique that you choose and will be explained to you by your surgeon. Fortunately, complications with laser eye surgery are fairly uncommon and if you choose an experienced and reputable surgeon, like the team at Manhattan LASIK Center, and follow the post-procedure instructions provided by your surgical team, your risk of issues will be even lower.

You’ll Need to Schedule a Few Days At Home

You’ll be advised to rest your eyes as much as possible for the first 24 hours after your procedure, and you might need to take a few days off of work depending on your prescription level. If you have a mild to moderate prescription number, you can expect to recover and be able to go to work the very next day!  A large group of our patients who received their treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic has said that it was an especially good time to have laser vision correction because working or studying from home allowed them a more comfortable recovery.

If you would like more information about the pros and cons of laser vision correction or would like to schedule a FREE virtual consultation, call Manhattan LASIK Center today at 212-759-9617 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions or discuss your candidacy for laser vision correction.