Common LASIK Myths & Misconceptions

Vision problems can limit your quality of life, and not all treatment options work for everyone. LASIK surgery is an increasingly popular way to improve your vision and offers a permanent solution to many vision issues. Despite its growing popularity, there are still many misconceptions surrounding LASIK, which could cause you to be apprehensive about exploring the procedure. To help you better understand this treatment option, we've put together explanations for many of the common LASIK myths and misconceptions.

Is LASIK a Painful Procedure?

LASIK surgery is a quick and pain-free treatment. Most patients who have gone through the procedure have stated that they felt no pain. Before the procedure, you’re given some anesthetic eye drops to numb the eyes. After that, the only discomfort you may feel is slight pressure on your eyes as the laser reaches the cornea.

Is LASIK Only for Nearsightedness?

When the procedure was first introduced in the 1990s, it was used to treat myopia only. However, advancements in technology have improved LASIK treatment operations and are now used to treat other refractive errors like farsightedness and astigmatism. For presbyopia, LASIK can be combined with monovision, in which one eye is set for distance and the other for near.

Can LASIK Results Gradually Wear Off?

No, not in the way many people fear. LASIK procedure alters the shape of your cornea, which allows light entering the eye to be focused adequately onto the retina for better vision. This corrects farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The misshapen cornea won’t revert to its pre-LASIK shape even long after the procedure. That means the refractive correction brought about by LASIK delivers long-term results. Your eyes can still change with age, and an enhancement is sometimes possible if they do.

Will I Have Activity Restrictions During Recovery?

For a few hours post-surgery, you’ll want to rest and limit light exposure to your eyes. Then, for a couple of weeks afterward, you’ll wear sunglasses to ensure comfort and provide extra protection as you heal. Typically, the rest period takes from 24 hours to a couple of days, depending on your day-to-day activities. Afterward, you can comfortably return to your usual routine, but you should avoid strenuous activities. Your doctor may also recommend applying eye drops for about five days to keep your eyes hydrated.

Does LASIK Give You 20/20 Vision?

Since the procedure is meant to correct vision, most people tend to believe that they will never need contacts or glasses post-surgery. In reality, LASIK does not prevent the natural aging of your eyes. As you grow older, you may develop presbyopia, which is usually not corrected with LASIK. Your vision before surgery can also determine whether or not you’ll have to use glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

Receive LASIK for Clearer Vision

LASIK surgery can seem intimidating, but our doctors at Global LASIK & Cataract Institute are available to address any of your questions or concerns. Our team is committed to your comfort and confidence throughout your time with us. We have helped many patients achieve clearer vision since 2000. If you're interested in exploring LASIK surgery, contact our office today and schedule your appointment with one of our highly skilled doctors.