Are you ready to take control of your ocular health? If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, it might be time for you to consider getting LASIK treatment instead.
Many people feel nervous about LASIK eye surgery. They may have outdated ideas about what LASIK entails and what the healing process is like. We’re here to talk about some of the most common misconceptions are about the LASIK procedure.
Keep reading to learn more.
Myth: LASIK Is Painful
Many people are afraid of getting LASIK eye surgery. It’s true that the procedure seems like it should be painful (after all, the idea of anything touching your eye might be uncomfortable to think about), but the procedure itself shouldn’t cause you significant pain or discomfort.
This is still a medical procedure, so there will be some sensation while you’re getting LASIK treatment.
When you have your LASIK procedure, the doctor will give you numbing eyedrops to stop your eyes from feeling any pain. You may feel pressure or tingling, but it won’t hurt.
You will, however, experience sensitivity after the procedure, so it’s important to protect your eyes until after the healing period.
Myth: The Healing Period Is Unbearable
Speaking of the healing period, have you seen characters in popular media feeling miserable after their LASIK eye treatment? While this makes for great television, it isn’t a typical result in 2021.
As long as you follow the recommended LASIK aftercare that your doctor will tell you about, you can be back to your normal activities in as short as 24 hours.
Also: the results are immediate, so you get to enjoy your new vision in no time.
Myth: LASIK Is Too Risky
LASIK seems scary to people who haven’t done it before. They may worry that it carries too many risks to be a reliable and safe procedure.
In reality, LASIK is incredibly safe. LASIK risks and complications are rare, minor, and fixable by doctors when they do come up. LASIK is also safer than contact lenses, believe it or not.
Improper contact use can lead to infections. While infections are possible after LASIK eye surgery, it’s statistically less likely for you to get an infection after the procedure than it is for you to get one while you’re wearing contacts.
Bonus: you don’t risk any pesky reactions to contact solutions that don’t work well with your eyes.
Myth: LASIK Isn’t Available for My Age Group
Many people think that you can’t get LASIK treatment if you’re not “the right” age. While some doctors may feel more or less comfortable with certain age groups, LASIK eye surgery is available for anyone over the age of eighteen.
You don’t have to wait until you’re middle-aged, as some people tend to think. You can also get LASIK when you’re a senior (though you should discuss this with your doctor to determine if it’s the best option).
Myth: You Need a Stable Prescription for Years
Another common myth about LASIK eye surgery is that you need to have had the same prescription for a long time. This stands in the way of a lot of people who want to seek treatment. After all, if your eyes are always getting “worse,” you’re more likely to want LASIK.
In reality, most doctors feel comfortable with providing LASIK treatment as long as the patient’s prescription hasn’t changed (or has changed marginally) over the past year.
This means that LASIK is accessible for far more people.
If you’re unsure as to whether or not you can get LASIK due to the details of your current prescription, talk to a doctor about your situation.
Myth: LASIK Doesn’t Last Long Enough
So what’s the point of getting a LASIK procedure if your results won’t last?
LASIK is expensive, but it’s for good reason. It gives you long-lasting results that happen right away. It’s more affordable than buying contact lenses and nicer pairs of glasses whenever you need them.
Keep in mind that your vision will change as you get older. You may need a follow-up appointment to make changes. That said, many people are still happy with their results after a decade.
Your vision will worsen as you age and LASIK won’t stop that. You may find that you need to wear reading glasses in the future, but this isn’t a result of LASIK. It’s a result of the normal aging process.
Myth: LASIK Can’t Treat My Condition
This is mostly untrue.
Many people think that LASIK is only for people with slight nearsightedness and that people with any other eye conditions are out of luck.
LASIK corrects refractive errors. This means that it can correct the way that your eye focuses and bends light. Our vision is all based on how our eyes perceive light.
LASIK can’t treat cataracts, lazy eyes, keratoconus, or glaucoma. These conditions require a different type of treatment.
It can, however, treat myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia, and even astigmatism. If you’re not sure where or not your condition makes you a good candidate for LASIK, don’t be afraid to consult with a doctor.
Is LASIK Treatment Right for You?
Now that you can separate myths from reality, are you considering taking the plunge and seeking out LASIK treatment to correct your vision? It might be time to do away with glasses and contact lenses for good! Free yourself and improve your vision with LASIK eye surgery.
If you’re ready to get started with an eye doctor in Lexington, KY, we want to meet you. At Kentucky Eye Institute, our experienced doctors know how to provide you with a safe and comfortable LASIK experience. Contact us to set up an appointment today.