When you do a search online, you will see that there are various myths surrounding LASIK surgery. As it becomes a well-known option to those who want to have a better vision, these myths are starting to be debunked. Here are several facts and myths about LASIK surgery you need to know.
MYTH: You don’t need eyeglasses or contact lenses once you undergo LASIK surgery
FACT:Â Even if you have had LASIK surgery, there is still no guarantee that your vision will not alter as you age. Our normal vision will change with time so you may still need to have eyeglasses or contacts when you are in your 50s. It’s vital that you still undergo routine eye exams to maintain your eye health even if you obtained better results after LASIK.
MYTH:Â LASIK surgery is painful.
FACT:Â LASIK surgery is painless. Before the operation, your doctor will use anesthetic drops to numb your eye. Even after the treatment, you will feel little to no pain. There might be mild stinging or gritty sensation after the surgery, but it will only last for a few hours after the surgery, and will eventually fade away.
MYTH:Â The laser could burn your eyes.
FACT:Â Some patients may smell something burning during the laser eye surgery. However, this is nothing to worry about as the laser is vaporizing the cornea. By doing so, the cornea is being reshaped, allowing you to be spectacle independent after the laser surgery
MYTH:Â Everyone can undergo LASIK.
FACT:Â Not everyone is qualified to undergo LASIK. You have to meet the following qualifications first before you schedule for an operation:
– You must be 18 years old or above
– You do not want to wear contact lenses or prescription glasses
– You are in good health
– You have a stable prescription for the past one year
Those who have the following conditions may not be qualified to undergo LASIK:
- Patients with eye diseases or eye viruses
- Patients with health problems, such uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease
- Patients with thin or irregular corneas
MYTH:Â LASIK can cause blindness.
FACT:Â Many LASIK procedures have already been performed with high levels of safety and patient satisfaction. But, as LASIK is still considered a surgery, so there are certain risks involved. Currently in Singapore, no 1 has gone blind from LASIK before. It is best to take a pre-surgery consultation and eye examination so your eye doctor can review all potential risks. This will also allow him or her to see whether you are a good LASIK candidate.
MYTH:Â All LASIK results are the same.
FACT:Â 1 of the essential elements in a successful surgical procedure is the surgeon’s skill. However, everyone has a different eye condition so the outcome may still vary. That is why you need to have an eye exam first to properly manage your expectations on the possible result of the surgery.
MYTH:Â There are possible long-term side effects from LASIK surgery.
FACT:Â Laser surgery is still considered a surgery, and with every surgery there are risks involved. One common side effect after LASIK is dry eyes, and they usually lessen with time. However, in a small number of patients, it may be permanent. This can be overcome by the use of lubricating eye drops.
For more details about LASIK surgery or to schedule an eye examination, be sure to visit Atlas Eye. You may also visit their website to learn more about other eye care services.
