Common Myths about LASIK Surgery Debunked
June 12, 2024
Are you considering LASIK eye surgery but have some concerns holding you back? You're not alone.
Despite the popularity and high success rate of LASIK, many people have misconceptions about this vision correction procedure. However, the reality is that modern LASIK is a safe, effective, and life-changing option for many people who are tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses.
Keep reading to learn some of the most common myths about LASIK!
I'm Probably Not a Good Candidate For LASIK
If you're an adult over twenty-one with relatively healthy eyes and have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, then you're likely a good candidate for LASIK. The good news about LASIK is that it's very easy to find out if LASIK will work for you.
The first step is to schedule a LASIK evaluation with the expert eye doctor at Arlington Eye Center. Your experienced LASIK surgeons will be able to answer your questions about this life changing procedure.
After LASIK, you will be able to live life with reduced dependence on visual aids like glasses and contact lenses.
Do you want to learn if you might be a good candidate for LASIK?
It's Not Going to Change My Life Significantly
If you're an active adult who enjoys sports, whether playing softball for your company's team or taking a brisk walk on a beautiful day, LASIK can improve your life. For active people who are always moving or busy parents who are on the go, LASIK corrective eye surgery usually eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses.
That means you don't have to worry about contact lenses getting dirty or dislodging, or misplacing your glasses while doing what you enjoy. It can also be an excellent choice for people with specialty careers, such as paramedics, law enforcement officers, or people in the health profession.
Many careers require people to travel or act at a moment's notice. That means not having to worry about packing glasses, contact lens cleaning solution, cases, and other products.
Once your vision has been corrected by LASIK surgery, there is usually no need to use these extra devices to see clearly.
It's Risky and Painful
LASIK is one of the most common procedures done in America today and an estimated ten million people have successfully gotten the procedure since 1999. It has a very high patient satisfaction rate.
LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the tissue in the cornea using a high-tech, sophisticated excimer laser. Once your LASIK uses the laser to reshape the cornea, light entering your eye will be able to focus correctly onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
This procedure is very safe and effective to help you gain greater visual freedom.
LASIK is a Long and Complicated Procedure
Contrary to popular belief, LASIK is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure. The actual surgery typically takes less than thirty minutes for both eyes, with the laser portion lasting only seconds per eye.
While the LASIK process involves advanced technology, the procedure itself is not overly complicated. You will be given numbing eye drops for comfort and remain awake throughout the procedure.
Recovery is usually rapid, with most people returning to many of their normal activities within a day or two.
It Could Be a Long Recovery
Many people notice improvement immediately after LASIK surgery and continue to notice improvement over the next few weeks. Though you will be allowed to begin driving again as soon as you can see well enough, you will not be allowed to drive the day of your LASIK surgery.
Most doctors advise patients to rest for a couple of days after the procedure, though some people decide to return to work right away. LASIK patients have reported not just improved vision, but vision that is better than it was when they used glasses or contact lenses.
There may be a few side effects post surgery that are minor. The most often reported side effect is patients experiencing dry eyes temporarily, which can be treated with lubricating drops.
Patient satisfaction rates post-LASIK surgery are some of the highest reported for elective procedures.
It's Not Worth the Cost
Though LASIK is not an inexpensive procedure, it is a worthwhile investment in your eyesight. The knowledgeable and friendly office staff at Arlington Eye Center will guide you through the various payment options available for LASIK surgery.
They understand that investing in your vision is a significant decision, and they're there to help you find the most suitable financial solution to make this life-changing procedure accessible. While LASIK surgery may seem like a significant upfront investment, it can actually save you money in the long run. Consider the cumulative cost of regularly replacing glasses, purchasing contact lenses, buying cleaning and storage solutions, and other related expenses over many years.
These recurring vision care costs can add up substantially over time. By choosing LASIK, you're investing in a long-term solution that can eliminate or greatly reduce your need for corrective eyewear, ultimately providing you with significant savings and a valuable return on your investment in improved vision and quality of life.
Do you want to learn if you might be a good candidate for LASIK? Schedule a LASIK evaluation at Arlington Eye Center in Arlington, VA, today!