LASIK Myths

9 LASIK Myths – BUSTED

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As one of the most popular forms of laser vision correction, LASIK surgery is used to help improve sight without the need for glasses or contacts.

However, as an increasingly popular choice for fixing refractive errors, there are many myths and speculations about this type of surgery. 

We’re going to help debunk some of these common myths and provide you with accurate information and facts about LASIK and discuss why LASIK surgery might be the solution for you. 

What Is LASIK?

Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis, more commonly referred to as LASIK, is the most popular refractive surgery.

Lasers are used to change the shape of the cornea within your eyes and are often used to correct common vision issues such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatisms. 

LASIK surgery is a quick process, taking just under an hour to complete the procedure, and within a few months, your eyesight should be stable, meaning you are less likely to be dependent on using glasses or contacts to correct your vision. 

Myth 1: LASIK Is Painful

Like all types of surgeries, people are concerned that they are going to be in pain both during and after the procedure. 

Thanks to the numbing eye drops provided before the procedure, LASIK eye surgery is a quick and painless process. You’ll be kept awake during the process, and the whole procedure only takes around 30 minutes to complete.

It’s normal to feel slight pressure during the procedure, as the lasers create the corneal flap, however, this will subside and feels uncomfortable rather than painful. 

Afterwards, you shouldn’t feel much pain, however, you’ll be given some numbing drops that you can take to alleviate any discomfort you might experience.

Myth 2: LASIK Surgery Doesn’t Last

LASIK eye surgery is a permanent change to your eyes, and while there is no chance that the effects of the surgery wear off, there is still the chance that you could experience age-related eye conditions that affect your vision as time goes on.

There are of course risks to getting this type of surgery, and in very rare cases some patients may require additional treatments to achieve the results required, but the effects of laser eye surgery will last a lifetime.

Myth 3: LASIK Surgery Is Too Expensive 

It’s true that at one stage LASIK eye surgery was too expensive for many people to afford.

These days, the cost of LASIK is much more affordable, and finance options mean that it’s possible to spread the cost of the procedure over a longer period.

While LASIK surgery prices might seem high at first glance, when you take into consideration the savings made on the cost of glasses or contact lenses over the years, it can be a much more affordable and realistic option for vision correction over the long term. 

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Focus has a 100% 20/20 vision success rate for all common short-sighted prescriptions using it’s A-LASIK technique.

Myth 4: Recovering From LASIK Surgery Takes A Long Time

As LASIK eye surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure, LASIK recovery time is very quick.

You’ll be able to feel the benefits of your improved vision almost immediately, but it is recommended to take at least 24-48 hours off from normal activities such as driving and working to allow your vision to adjust.

Full visual stabilisation should be achieved after a few months when your vision will be at its peak.

Myth 5: I’m Too Old For LASIK Eye Surgery 

Many people dispel the idea of having LASIK eye surgery due to their age. However, there is no upper age limit to having eye surgery.

Normally, people looking to have their vision corrected should be over 18 and have had a stable prescription for at least 2 years, meaning you shouldn’t have had any major changes to your vision prescription. 

Although there is no upper age limit, it is recommended that you speak to your LASIK surgeon to discuss the options and risks so you can make an informed decision as to whether you are a suitable candidate for LASIK eye surgery.

Myth 6: LASIK Eye Surgery Is Not Safe 

LASIK eye surgery is one of the safest types of surgical procedures carried out each year. 

This type of surgery has been around for a while now, meaning there are experienced and knowledgeable surgeons who perform this procedure every day. 

There are clearly defined protocols and risks which are identified, meaning you will be given all of the information before choosing surgery as an option. 

Studies carried out show that people who have had LASIK surgery are satisfied with their results, with an average of 95.4% of people being happy with their surgery. 

Myth 7: There Are Too Many Complications With LASIK

There is a risk of complications with any type of surgery. Fortunately, LASIK eye surgery is one of the less risky types of procedures with most people having little to no complications and going on to make a quick and full recovery within a matter of days. 

Of course, there are some potential risks that can be expected with some people experiencing dry eyes, blurry vision, glare, and regression. These risks are rare and your surgeon will discuss them with you. 

Technology has improved over the years, and with this, the rate of people experiencing any side effects or complications has decreased. 

Myth 8: Contact Lenses Are Safer Than LASIK

Contact lenses have been used for a long time as a method of vision correction, and although a popular method, they aren’t necessarily the safer option. 

Long-term contact lens users are more at risk of developing an infection due to poor hand-washing techniques or improper use of contacts. 

LASIK eye surgery takes away the risk of infection as you will no longer be required to use contacts and instead have a once-off procedure to permanently correct your vision. 

Myth 9: LASIK Can’t Treat Astigmatism

Astigmatism is caused by an asymmetric curve across the cornea, meaning the light from distant and near objects is not refracted properly and the image appears blurry or distorted.

In the 1990s the lasers used for laser vision correction could not correct astigmatism but thanks to advances in technology over the last few decades, the lasers used in today’s procedures mean that this condition can now be treated.

As arguably the most common LASIK myth, we still encounter many people who believe they’re not a good LASIK candidate because of their astigmatism, despite them being suitable for treatment.

The Bottom Line

LASIK eye surgery has increased in popularity over recent years, and with advances in technology and surgeons becoming more experienced and knowledgeable in the delivery of the procedure, LASIK has become a viable option for many more people. 

We’ve taken a look at some of the most common LASIK myths, so now you know that wearing contacts might actually be worse than having laser eye surgery, that the LASIK procedure is quick, pain-free, and requires a short recovery time, and finally that you can fit laser eye surgery into your budget with payment plans and flexible finance to achieve the vision you’ve always desired.

About the Author

Mr David Allamby is the founder and medical director of Focus Clinic - the leading provider of laser eye surgery in London. Focus’ commitment is to be the #1 clinic for vision outcome results with 100% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or even better. He is one of a limited number of UK surgeons who work in laser refractive surgery full-time.

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