LASIK is an extremely safe and effective minimally-invasive laser vision correction surgery. Since LASIK is such a popular choice for permanent vision correction, there are a lot of myths about the procedure.
Keep reading to learn five urban legends about LASIK to put out of your mind!
1. LASIK Will Reverse Over Time
Although it is possible that you may need touch-ups in the future, the results of the LASIK procedure will not reverse over time. LASIK reshapes the cornea, the eye’s dome-shaped transparent protective outer layer.
The result is permanent vision correction. LASIK aims to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses significantly so that you can live a more carefree life.
LASIK can correct your natural refractive error, but it will not prevent you from developing any eye conditions that may cause vision changes in the future.
2. The LASIK Procedure and Recovery Take a Long Time
The actual LASIK procedure is relatively short. The typical LASIK procedure takes under half an hour for both eyes.
Your eye doctor will likely recommend that you rest after the procedure and take it easy the rest of the day. If your job involves heavy lifting, your eye doctor will likely advise that you take additional time for recovery.
Your eye doctor will provide you with a list of instructions to ensure proper healing. It is essential that you follow these instructions to prevent any possible complications.
Many people are able to return to their everyday tasks within a few days to a few weeks, besides certain activities. LASIK does not require much downtime, and you are able to resume your busy life without much time needed for recovery.
3. LASIK Works For Everyone, No Matter What
Like any surgery or treatment, there are guidelines for patients considering LASIK. In order to schedule the LASIK procedure, you must first qualify as a candidate for the procedure.
The ideal candidate for LASIK is at least eighteen years old, in good health, with moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Many eye doctors will also require that you are free of eye conditions that can affect the outcome of the surgery, such as keratoconus.
During your LASIK consultation, your eye doctor will perform a series of tests and measurements on your eyes. In addition to collecting this data, they will examine your eyes in-depth.
Your eye doctor will use this information to determine if LASIK is right for you.
4. LASIK Means You’ll Never Wear Glasses Again
The LASIK procedure can significantly reduce your dependency on contact lenses and glasses. However, in some cases, you may need to wear glasses to have the best possible vision during some activities.
Presbyopia, or age-related loss of near vision, for example, is commonplace. Also, as your eyes age, you will develop cataracts that may require you to use visual aids more frequently.
Even with LASIK, you’ll need reading glasses as you get older.
5. LASIK Is Riskier Than Contacts
Every day you wear contacts, you’re placing something in your eye. Contact lens wearers are at risk for an eye infection and possible damage from a corneal abrasion.
A lifetime of contact lens wearing increases the risk. As LASIK is typically a one-time procedure, the primary risk of infection is during the recovery and healing process.
Do you want to learn if you may be a candidate for LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, today!
