You have likely heard about LASIK, but you might not have all of the facts. It’s important to separate fact from fiction before undergoing LASIK surgery. That way, you will know exactly what to expect with this procedure.
Fact: No One Has Ever Gone Blind from LASIK
There are a lot of myths swirling around about LASIK and blindness, but in reality, no one has ever gone blind from the surgery. This myth is perpetuated because people think that surgeons use a hot laser that can burn through the eye. In reality, surgeons use a cool laser that is not capable of burning through the eye.
Fact: The Laser Doesn’t Do All the Work, so Choosing the Right Surgeon is Important
Many people think that the laser does all of the work, and the surgeon is just along for the ride, but that isn’t true. The surgeon is in control of the laser, and his or her skill level is important. A highly-skilled surgeon is often able to get better outcomes than someone who is new to the game. You should always check the surgeon’s skill level before scheduling surgery.
Fact: Not Everyone Qualifies for LASIK
You might think that eye surgeons will approve anyone and everyone for LASIK, but patients are screened to determine if they are a good fit for the procedure. Your eye surgeon will look at the thickness of your cornea and your eye health. He or she will also consider your overall health, age, and lifestyle factors before approving you for LASIK.
Myth: No One Has to Wear Corrective Lenses after LASIK
While a lot of people can say goodbye to their contacts and eyeglasses after LASIK, some people do need to wear corrective lenses. However, the prescription will be much lower than it was before the surgery. If you still have to wear corrective lenses, your Los Angeles, California eye surgeon can examine you to see if you are a good candidate for a touch-up. Then, he or she can touch up your eyes so you can see even better.
Myth: LASIK Hurts
The actual procedure is completely free of pain. Your eye surgeon will put anesthetic drops in your eyes. These numbing drops ensure that you don’t feel anything that the laser or surgeon does. Your eyes will feel scratchy afterward, but that only lasts for a few hours, and over-the-counter pain medications will help. Even if you have a low pain tolerance, you shouldn’t have any trouble with LASIK.
Myth: The Results from LASIK are Temporary
In reality, LASIK is a long-term solution to vision issues. Once you get LASIK, you don’t have to worry about getting it again unless you require a touch-up to achieve the desired results.
Now that you have separated fact from fiction, you have a better idea of what to expect with LASIK. If you want to move forward, the next step is contacting an eye surgeon. You will go in for an examination to get cleared for the surgery. Then, you can schedule your procedure.
