LASIK Facts Vs. LASIK Myths

There is a lot of information available about LASIK, but how do you separate the truth from the many myths about this popular vision correction procedure? At Gulfcoast Eye Care, we are committed to educating patients. Our Tampa Bay LASIK surgeon, Dr. Michael Manning, wants patients to have a clear idea of what LASIK can and can’t do, so we offer the following list of LASIK Myths and Facts to dispel some of the more common misunderstandings.

Myth: LASIK is painful.

Truth: The LASIK procedure is painless! Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops prior to surgery. Some patients report slight irritation or a gritty sensation a few hours after surgery, but this is mild, temporary, and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. 

Myth: LASIK “wears off” over time.

Truth: LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea and it does not wear off or become less effective with time. This myth may persist because of natural age-related changes that can occur, even in people who have had vision correction surgery. If you have LASIK in your 20’s or 30’s, it will not prevent you from developing presbyopia in your 40’s or cataracts in your 60’s.

Myth: No one knows the long-term effects of LASIK. 

Truth: While there have been advancements in LASIK, it is not a new procedure. Laser vision correction technology has been around since the 1980s, and has been utilized widely in the US since the 1990s, providing a substantial amount of time for any long-term side effects to surface. 

Myth: Side effects such as dry eye syndrome are common after treatment with LASIK.

Truth: LASIK is a surgical procedure, and there are risks to any type of surgery. With that in mind, the risk of serious complications brought about by LASIK surgery is typically very low. While dry eye and moderate glare conditions have occurred in patients after laser vision correction surgery, these effects are typically not permanent. Thorough preoperative testing can often identify those who are at a higher risk of complications from this procedure, and alternatives can be recommended in those cases.

Myth: LASIK procedures are all the same, so it doesn’t matter which LASIK surgeon you choose.

Truth: LASIK and other laser vision correction options require extremely delicate surgical skills in order to be performed successfully. Choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon is very important. Patients should be very cautious of “discount centers” and other options that may not put a high degree of focus on pre- and post-operative care.

Myth: There is no difference between the cheaper and more expensive LASIK surgery options.

Truth: Patients should do thorough research when considering LASIK and any type of eye surgery. More expensive LASIK procedures may simply be reflective of the surgeon’s experience and expertise, as well as enhancements, added benefits, and the degree of pre- and post-operative care designed to ensure you have the most successful results possible. Cutting costs should never be a factor when it comes to the health of your eyes. It’s a good idea to look for an established LASIK surgeon who places an emphasis on comprehensive care and utilizes advanced technologies to perform your procedure.

Myth: LASIK will completely eliminate the need for corrective eyewear in every patient who undergoes the procedure.

Truth: One of the chief benefits of LASIK is its ability to reduce, and even eliminate, one’s need for glasses or contact lenses. However, each person is different and the results will depend on the individual patient. The patient’s age, the severity of his or her vision problems, and many other issues will come into play. Dr. Manning will do his very best to ensure the patient’s results are as successful as possible. While many patients should be able to see clearly without the need for corrective eyewear after LASIK, some may still need to rely on lenswear for certain activities. Dr. Manning can often give patients a better idea of their potential visual outcomes after the first laser vision correction screening.

Myth: Anyone can have LASIK if they want it.

Truth: LASIK is not right for everyone and an experienced LASIK surgeon will only perform the procedure on patients who are good candidates. When you have a LASIK consultation at Gulfcoast Eye Care, Dr. Manning will conduct a thorough eye exam to determine if LASIK is right for you. Patients with thin corneas or severe nearsightedness may not be candidates for LASIK, but other vision correction surgeries, such as Visian ICL or PRK may be options. 

Myth: I am not a LASIK candidate because I have astigmatism.

Truth: LASIK can correct a range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

Myth: LASIK is unaffordable. 

Truth: There is a place in most people’s budgets for LASIK. At Gulfcoast Eye Care, we offer a variety of payment options, including financing with monthly payments from independent medical lenders. The truth is that the up-front cost of LASIK can be less overtime than the cost of glasses and contact lenses. Use our LASIK Savings Calculator to find out if LASIK could save you money in the long run.