Nowadays, the LASIK procedure has gained popularity and become one of the trendiest approaches in vision correction and or decreasing dependency on glasses and contact lenses. On the other hand, there are many myths associated with this surgical procedure. If you are considering LASIK surgery, then you must know facts from myths. Here are some basic myths about LASIK eye surgery and what you actually expect from the surgery.
1: LASIK is Extremely Painful
Fact: Probably one of the most prevalent myths surrounding LASIK eye surgery is that it hurts. In truth, the LASIK itself does not hurt. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Your eyes will be numbed beforehand with some special eye drops. You should not feel any pain during the surgery itself. More classical accounts from the patients' point of view of a light discomfort or even pressure but no pain. Most have only the mildest irritation at all, like something's in your eye, after surgery - which usually fades within a few hours.
2. LASIK surgery is done only when there are severe vision problems.
Fact: LASIK eye surgery can be considered for patients in various stages of refractive errors: nearsightedness-myopia, farsightedness-hyperopia, and astigmatism. This is not only recommended for people with extremely poor eyesight. Factors which would most probably influence your candidacy for LASIK will most likely include the stability of your prescription, the health of your eyes, and the thickness of your cornea. However, this is best determined by a thorough eye exam with an experienced LASIK surgeon.
3. LASIK Is a Once-and-for-All Treatment without the Need for Further Care.
Fact: Although LASIK provides very long-lasting results, keep in mind that some patients require follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and, in rare cases, additional adjustments. You can also develop changes in your vision due to the natural aging process, especially after turning 40 years old, wherein you may need glasses for reading close-up work. Some of them may take a little time, and a few of them may need an enhancement procedure in case there is a drifting of vision after the surgery. Follow-up care is essential so that the best result and continuity of eye health can be brought about.
4: Laser Eye Surgery Is for Younger People Only
Fact: It is possible to conduct LASIK on adults in varying acts of age but under certain conditions. For example, it is generally not advisable for persons under the age of 18 years since their eyes may still be developing. However, individuals in their 20s, 30s, and even in their 40s or early 50s are eligible for LASIK surgery under specific conditions concerning their eye health. That being said, those in their 40s and onward can still develop presbyopia, a condition of aging in which the eye loses its focusing capability for close objects-in which case LASIK can still help with the overall vision, but reading glasses may still be required.
5: LASIK Results Are Immediate
Fact: Although LASIK eye surgery can work wonders for greatly improving your vision, the time needed to recover fully from the surgery will take a few days up to several weeks. While many are quickly able to see improved vision following surgery, it may not be perfect right away. This is considered normal because the eye takes time to heal, and vision can indeed fluctuate in the first few days. Most people can go back to their normal activities within a day or two, though the final result may clear up in several weeks. Full visual stabilization can take as long as 6 months, depending on the person.
6. LASIK Surgery Needs No Post-Operative Care
Fact: In this context, post-operative care is a must to ensure a smooth recovery following the LASIK surgical intervention. Since the LASIK procedure is minimally invasive, following the most direct route through your surgeon's aftercare instructions will ensure the best results. This will include prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, avoiding rubbing your eyes and going for follow-up appointments to monitor the track on which your healing is going. With proper care post-surgery, you can ensure the best outcome for your eyes.
7: There Are No Risks for LASIK
Fact: While LASIK is a safe surgery for most people, as with all surgeries, there is the risk of a couple. While the risks are rare, some complications that may arise include dry eyes, glare, halos, or under-correction/overcorrection of vision. This simply means one will have to consult with a credible and experienced LASIK surgeon who can assess and determine one's eye health and determine whether LASIK is precisely what one needs. Understanding potential risks and becoming as informed as possible help to reduce the sense of concern and can make your overall experience a better one.
8: LASIK is just too expensive, and Insurance does not cover it.
Fact: Even though LASIK eye surgery is definitely an investment in one's sight, over the years, it has become decidedly more affordable, and many clinics offer very flexible financing plans. For individuals who rely greatly on glasses or contacts, LASIK has the added benefit of saving one money down the line by either reducing or eliminating these 'on-hand' costs. Further, although LASIK is usually regarded as elective and, hence, excepted from the coverage of most normal health insurance packages, some employers provide special HSAs or FSAs that can be utilized to offset the charges for the LASIK procedure. This would eventually go a long way toward making the procedure better affordable for persons who qualify for such plans.
Conclusion
Its obvious advantages include improvement of vision and the reduced use of glasses or contact lenses. Being educated on the facts will help displace common myths about this procedure. Now, you can make an informed decision for or against it. Consult a qualified LASIK surgeon today for more options regarding whether LASIK eye surgery is right for you. Supported with proper care and realistic expectations, LASIK can be a life-changing surgery for most people.
