Lasik surgery is the kind of eye surgery Lasik experts carry out. It is absolutely life changing for many people that suffer from most of the common vision problems. However, there are still many people that are worried about this surgery that takes approximately 10 minutes to finish.
The question now is, why?!
This is because there are myths that fly around about best laser eye surgery that quite a number of people have grown to believe. This article seeks to dispel some of these myths and make readers understand that Lasik is safe and simple.
But before we get started on that, let’s have a proper understanding of what Lasik is.
What is Lasik?
In simple terms, Lasik means “laser-assisted in situkeratomileusis”. It is an eye surgery that treats refractive disorders, some of which are-
- Astigmatism
- Nearsightedness
- Shortsightedness
- Ageing eye or Presbyopia
Typically, Lasik uses lasers to treat eye problems especially those relating to refractive errors. A refractive error occurs when your eye is unable to bend light properly. This could distort your vision and cause it to be blurry. More so, you could suffer farsightedness and nearsightedness.
Now that we have established an understanding of what Lasik is, let’s delve right into some common myths about Lasik that should be debunked.
LASIK SURGERY IS A PAINFUL PROCEDURE
This is one of the most common myths about the surgery, Lasik. It is believed that it is quite painful and uncomfortable. However, this is absolutely false!
During the surgery, you don’t feel any pain. This is especially because you are given anesthetic eye drops to ensure your eye nerves don’t feel any form of discomfort.
Truly, just like any other surgery, after your Lasik surgery, you may feel some slight discomfort but as your eyes heal, you feel better. The best part of the surgery Lasik is that it heals very fast.
YOU RISK LOSING YOUR ABILITY TO SEE
This is another myth that has scared a lot of people from going through with the procedure. It is not true and should be completely debunked.
Infact, there have been no reported cases of persons going blind after this surgery despite millions of treatments all over the world. Laser eye surgery focuses on reshaping the cornea and it is rare to find any major complication afterward.
AFTER LASIK, YOU CAN’T HAVE A CATARACT SURGERY
You have probably heard that you’ll be unable to get cataract surgery later in life if you’ve ever done Lasik surgery. This is totally untrue.
If after years of your Lasik surgery, you need to go for cataract surgery, it is completely safe to do that. Don’t stress about it.
IF YOU HAVE UNDERGONE LASIK, YOU CANNOT WEAR CONTACT LENS
Of course this is a myth. The fact is, you may not require the use of contact lens after Lasik because your vision will be improved. However, if there is any need to, whether for fashion or not, you can definitely wear your contact lens if you want to. Especially, soft contact lens.
IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO TARGET THE LASIK LASER ACCURATELY ALL THE TIME AS EYEBALLS WILL MAKE INVOLUNTARY MOVEMENTS. THUS, THERE IS A HIGH CHANCE THE LASER ZAPS WRONG AREAS OF THE EYE
This is very wrong because most platforms for Lasik have highly advanced eye tracking devices. These devices compensates for any minor eye movements while the procedure is ongoing. Infact, this tracking systems follow the patient’s eye position at the speed of 4,000 times per second and then, precisely redirects the laser pulses.
THE LASERS ARE HOT AND CAN BURN YOUR EYES
This myth is quite funny and is linked to the fear many people have about lasers and eyes. While the procedure might sound scary, know that the laser doesn’t burn hot like those you see in movies. In reality, they are actually cold and do not hurt at all.
I’M TOO OLD FOR LASIK
When it comes to the surgery, Lasik, the only age restriction is you have to be up to 18 years to receive treatment. A lot of people are worried that they are too aged for it but there’s no age limit. There are several patients that have in their late 50’s, late 60’s and even early 70’s that have successfully done the surgery.
However, it should be kindly noted that there is a correlation between Lasik candidacy and age. For certain conditions that can’t experience Lasik like macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts, older people are more at risk.
WITH LASIK, YOU SUFFER LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS
This myth is all over the place. It is probably the first one you must have heard.
Well, it isn’t true. For more than 30 years, Lasik has been performed on patients with an awfully amazing success rate. All the long-term researches that have been performed and carried out has shown positive results. This proves that Lasik is a great solution to vision problems and should be highly considered.
Moreover, on a daily basis, technology keeps improving and due to this, Lasik surgery will have little to no complications.
RECOVERY TAKES A VERY LONG TIME
This myth is quite laughable because the procedure itself takes only 10-15 minutes and patients may just be required to rest for 24 hours.
Infact, in most cases, people come for Lasik surgery and go home that same day. Some also come for the surgery and resume work the next day. This proves that you don’t need to schedule weeks off work for the surgery.
Recovery time for some patients may only take a week and they are back on track.
COMPLICATIONS CAN’T BE CORRECTED
The surgery, Lasik, hardly cause any form of complications and even when they do, many worry that they cannot be corrected. This is very false.
In very uncommon situations when complications occur, it will subside over time and can even be easily correctable. It is a simple procedure and experienced surgeons can provide the best treatment for your desired outcome.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Never be bothered by these myths concerning the Lasik surgery. It is safe and simple with little or no complexities. Don’t allow false information hold you back from getting an improved eye sight. Get your Lasik surgery done today!
Other articles:
Some Factors And Risks That Affect The Results Of A LASIK Surgery
These foods will help your LASIK recovery