Despite LASIK surgery being a common procedure for more than 20 years, there are still myths that people believe about the procedure. With advancements in technology, LASIK has become the safest elective surgery that a person can have. So, why are people still scared of it?
Here at 20/20 Institute, we strive to educate our patients on the benefits of LASIK and help them better understand the procedure. Below are some common misconceptions about LASIK.
Myth: Contacts are safer than LASIK.
Contacts actually have more risks than the LASIK procedure. The risk of infection with daily wear contacts is 10 times higher than having LASIK. If you wear extended wear contacts, your risk for infection is 34 times more likely than after the LASIK procedure.
Myth: LASIK can’t treat astigmatism.
When a person has astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like a football rather than a basketball, causing distortion to both distance and near vision. LASIK can correct astigmatism by reshaping the corneal surface to be spherical so the light rays bend correctly to focus the light, making your vision clearer.
Myth: LASIK wears off
LASIK does not wear off, even years later. This can be confusing to some people, because after age 45, a person’s near vision naturally starts to deteriorate, which is called presbyopia. After LASIK, with the onset of presbyopia, a person may need reading glasses for up-close reading or computer work, but their overall vision is not affected. Presbyopia is not caused by LASIK – it is just a natural process.
Myth: You can’t serve in the military if you’ve had LASIK.
More than 650,000 people serving in the military have had LASIK, with more than 8,500 of those being aviators. LASIK is a safe procedure with a fast recovery time, and it will not disqualify you from military service.
Myth: The LASIK flap never heals.
With developments in technology and use of lasers, the LASIK flap heals completely in less than a year. After a year, it is virtually impossible to manipulate the flap.
Myth: LASIK causes dry eye, glares and halos.
According to the PROWL study (Patient-Reported Outcomes with LASIK), LASIK does not cause long-term dryness, glares or halos. These symptoms are only temporary after the procedure and generally subside within a few weeks. The 20/20 Institute was one of the five clinics that were chosen to participate in this national study.
There are plenty of myths about LASIK that could cause patients to second-guess the procedure. But 20/20 Institute’s goal is to educate our current and prospective patients about the benefits of LASIK and how it can help you see 20/20! Call us today to speak to one of our vision consultants, or contact us online!