Are you interested in laser eye surgery, but feeling a bit apprehensive? Do you find yourself voicing concerns about the procedure, and wondering if they have any merit? Here are some common LASIK myths that prospective patients sometimes worry about. Each of these myths can be addressed by examining the facts related to them.
MYTH: "LASIK is still too new-I don't want to be a guinea pig."
FACT: Although you may think of laser vision correction as a relatively new technology, it has actually been around since the early 1990s. In the early 2000s, the FDA approved some additional developments such as bladeless LASIK and the use of personalized CustomVue technology, but even these have been in widespread use for over a decade. In fact, Woodhams Eye Clinic has successfully performed thousands of LASIK procedures in Metro Atlanta for over 15 years now.
MYTH: "The surgery won't work for me because I have astigmatism."
FACT: LASIK is actually more effective at correcting astigmatism than traditional methods such as glasses or special contact lenses. This is because the corrective lens must be aligned very particularly in relation to your cornea in order to work properly, and if the lens moves at all, it will be less effective. By permanently reshaping your cornea, LASIK can correct your astigmatism more reliably, along with other refractive errors you may have. Patients treated for astigmatism are among the most excited and impressed after surgery!
MYTH: "I'm too old for LASIK."
FACT: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there is actually no strict upper age limit for refractive surgeries. In fact, some surgeons have successfully performed LASIK to correct residual astigmatism, on patients who were in their 70s and 80s, after they have had cataract surgery. For patient in their 50's, LASIK can be performed successfully for patients who have no signs of cataract development and who are otherwise good candidates for LASIK.
MYTH: "The surgery will be painful."
FACT: Before the procedure, a few drops of topical anesthetic will be put in your eyes to numb them. As EyeSmart notes, the only thing you are likely to feel during the surgery is a slight pressure from the suction ring used to stabilize your eye-it will feel a little like someone is pressing a finger on your eyelid, but that's all.
MYTH: "LASIK is very risky-I could go blind!"
FACT: Any form of surgery will always involve a degree of risk, however small, but the chance of major complications from LASIK is greatly reduced by carefully assessing your candidacy for the surgery first. Woodhams uses a variety of sophisticated diagnostic tools to spot any problematic conditions or potential issues and will only recommend the best vision solution for you, which may or may not be surgical. The Mayo Clinic notes that while some patients do experience minor complications after LASIK, such as dry eyes, blurriness, or night vision issues, they are usually temporary and disappear soon after. And while it may seem to be the most worrisome of the LASIK myths, it's actually extremely rare to experience any kind of permanent loss of vision from LASIK surgery. In the history of Woodhams Eye Clinic, no patient has ever "gone blind!"
Would you like to talk to someone here at Woodhams about LASIK? Enter your information below and one of our patient care advocates will reach out to you or you can call us at 770-394-4000.
