Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center
Even though laser eye surgeries have been improving people’s vision for over 20 years, myths about them still exist! If you’ve decided to permanently correct your vision with LASIK, PRK, or another laser eye surgery, we want you to feel confident about your choice by debunking some of the myths about laser eye surgery.
Keep reading to learn the facts behind the top 10 myths about laser eye surgery!
Myth #1: I’m too old (or young) for laser eye surgery.
Fact: With some exceptions, people of all ages are good candidates for laser eye surgery. These surgeries can successfully correct the vision of individuals in their late teens and 20s and those in their 50s and 60s.
The right age for laser eye surgery depends on factors like eye development, refractive error, and anticipated results. LASIK can allow a younger individual to enjoy years of clear vision and fine-tune the vision of an older adult who may be experiencing some age-related changes to their vision.
Myth #2: Laser eye surgery is painful.
Fact: Laser eye surgeries are typically painless. Before starting the procedure, the eyes are numbed with special numbing drops, ensuring complete comfort throughout the procedure.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort after surgery, but it’s usually temporary. Prescription eye drops can help soothe eye discomfort, prevent infection, and speed recovery.
Myth #3: LASIK is unsafe.
Fact: While all surgeries carry some risk, laser eye surgeries are extremely safe. In the US, tens of thousands of people undergo laser eye surgeries every year, making them one of the most common elective surgeries in the country.
Laser eye surgeries are safe because of the advanced technology used to perform them. Laser eye surgeons use state-of-the-art technologies, including femtosecond and excimer lasers, for more precise treatment and optimal vision outcomes.
Myth #4: Laser eye surgery only corrects myopia.
Fact: While most laser eye surgeries can correct myopia (nearsightedness), they can also correct hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Today’s laser technologies allow eye surgeons to correct a wider degree of refractive error.
Some laser eye surgeries are better at correcting specific refractive errors. For instance, ZEISS SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is one of the latest advances in laser eye surgery, but currently, it can only correct myopia and astigmatism.
Myth #5: The effects of laser eye surgery don’t last.
Fact: Once vision has been corrected with laser eye surgery, the results are typically long-lasting. Most laser eye surgeries correct vision by reshaping the cornea, which does not change with age.
Certain eye conditions, such as presbyopia and cataracts, can affect the quality of laser eye surgery outcomes as patients age. Both of these conditions are caused by changes to the natural lens of the eye and can’t be prevented by LASIK or other laser eye surgeries.
Myth #6: Anyone can correct their vision with laser eye surgery.
Fact: Many people can correct their vision with laser eye surgery, but not everyone is a good candidate. To qualify for LASIK, the most popular and well-known surgery, a good candidate must be 18, have a stable eye prescription for at least a year, have corneas of a certain thickness, and have healthy eyes.
If a person is not a good candidate for one surgery, another, more suitable procedure may be available. For example, a person with thin corneas may not be a candidate for LASIK, but might still be able to correct their vision with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
Myth #7: Laser eye surgeries have long recovery times.
Fact: The recovery time for most laser eye surgeries is relatively short. While recovery times vary, many patients can resume their normal activities the day after their surgery.
Often, patients see the results of the laser eye surgeries within hours of their procedures! Although it can take six weeks or more for vision to realize the full results, many patients are glass-free within a few days.
Myth #8: Laser eye surgeries cause dry eye syndrome.
Fact: Dry eye is a side effect of some laser eye surgeries, but it is usually temporary and resolves on its own as the eye heals. It occurs most commonly with laser eye surgeries that reshape the cornea, such as LASIK and PRK.
Third generation refractive surgeries, like SMILE, are good choices for those who already struggle with dry eyes,or want to minimize possible post-operative dry eye symptoms. Temporary dry eye from laser eye surgeries can be easily treated with over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops.
Myth #9: Laser eye surgeries have a high risk of complications and side effects.
Fact: Complications from laser eye surgeries are rare. Clinical studies have shown that a person is far more likely to get a serious eye infection from wearing contact lenses daily than from laser eye surgery.
Most patients experience short-term side effects, such as light sensitivity or glare, after their surgery. These side effects are usually minimal and subside as the eyes fully heal.
Myth #10: Laser eye surgeries are more expensive than glasses or contact lenses.
Fact: The one-time cost of laser eye surgery is often much less than the ongoing expenses of glasses or contact lenses. Paying for years of prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact lens cleaning supplies can add up to thousands of dollars more than undergoing a laser eye surgery. In fact, our Pricing Calculator can help you calculate how much you are estimated to save over the years following your laser eye surgery!
Correcting your vision with laser eye surgery is an investment in yourself. Consider what an investment in surgery today will ultimately be worth for a lifetime of clear vision.
When considering laser eye surgery, it’s good to separate the facts from the myths. Once you have the facts, it’s easy to see why so many people have decided to correct their vision with LASIK, PRK, SMILE, or another one of the many laser eye surgery options!
Do you want to learn if you might be a candidate for laser eye surgery? Schedule a consultation at Manhattan LASIK in Westchester, NY, today!
