LASIK Surgery: Separating Myths from Facts to Ease Your Fears
Are you considering LASIK but you’re filled with anxious thoughts about the procedure? You’re not alone.
People often express to us their LASIK concerns—fears that stem from myths, such as being fully awake during surgery or LASIK being too expensive. Here are the most common myths about LASIK and the truth behind them.
What’s Your Fear of LASIK?
Many candidates fear LASIK because they don’t know what to expect. Often, these fears are so strong that it stops them from improving their vision through laser vision correction.
Educating yourself about LASIK and understanding what to expect during the procedure will certainly help you feel at ease. After all, putting your LASIK fears only helps you make a better and more informed decision.
Read on below as we separate myth from fact!
LASIK Fear #1: LASIK doesn’t work
Among the most common myths, some believe that LASIK doesn’t
work altogether. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Published in the August 2016 issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology released a press release of the survey with the following findings:
88% of previous contact lens users and 77% of former glasses wearers were strongly satisfied with LASIK 3 years after the procedure. This finding was consistent with the high satisfaction levels of the same individuals after years 1 and 2.
Modern excimer lasers significantly improve night vision after LASIK compared to glasses or contact lenses.
Poor LASIK outcomes are often a result of inadequate screening before the procedure. According to our surgeons at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, LASIK is typically ruled out in individuals with cornea problems such as keratoconus and dry eyes.
LASIK Fear #2: Side effects of LASIK
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with LASIK.
However, clinical studies have documented the risk of having a serious complication as being extremely low. Proper candidacy and testing before the procedure can identify patients who are at high risk for complications.
Popular fears about LASIK complications involve seeing haloes and night glare. Advanced laser technology options, called excimer lasers, reshape your cornea to the precise measurement needed to correct your vision. This surgery has shown incredible results in reducing, and often eliminating, the need for glasses and contact lenses. This technology is designed to maintain the natural curvature of your cornea.
As a result, unwanted side effects such as halos and night glare are prevented.
LASIK Fear #3: LASIK has a long recovery time
The recovery period for LASIK varies from patient to patient. Patients with higher prescriptions will notice significant improvements quicker than patients with lower prescriptions.
In general, most patients who have LASIK are not affected by a long recovery time. The majority of patients reported that their eyes felt fairly normal the day after the procedure, except for the occasional blurry vision, which is common during the first few days.
Consider sticking to these post-LASIK care goals to guarantee that recovery time won’t be as long as you expected.
LASIK Fear #4: The cost of LASIK
LASIK prices may seem expensive at first glance. However, consumers should make sure they are comparing equivalent care and experience when doing their research for the right provider. In most cases, the price covers the initial consultation, top-notch facilities, and highly qualified surgeons.
For most of our patients, LASIK pays for itself after a couple of years due to the savings on contact lenses, contact lens solutions, and new eyeglasses.
Finding and comparing LASIK prices in Arizona online is tricky because prices tend to vary from one provider to another. It is worth noting that variations in LASIK costs depend on the following:
The degree of vision correction that you need
The technology the surgeon decides to use
The complexity of the procedure
Your current location
Some insurance plans will cover a portion of your LASIK costs. Financing options are also worth checking out.
LASIK Fear #5: Being fully awake during the procedure
During your procedure, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. Numbing eye drops will be administered, and patients will only feel a bit of pressure on the eye for about 15 seconds.
Still Concerned about the Risk of LASIK Eye Surgery?
Don’t let your LASIK fears stop you from improving your vision (and your life!) for the better. Many of our patients realized that they could have gotten LASIK sooner and bid their unfounded fears goodbye.
