Feeling hesitant about LASIK? You're not alone. Many of our patients initially had concerns based on myths they'd heard, but now enjoy the freedom of clear vision without glasses or contacts.
Knowing the facts can ease your fears and help you make a well-informed decision about the life-changing procedure. Join us as we separate LASIK fact from fiction - what you discover might just change how you see your future!
LASIK is a precise laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. When you have a refractive error, your eye's shape prevents light from refracting or bending as it should.
As a result, light doesn't focus sharply on your retina, causing the blurry vision you experience. LASIK carefully reshapes your cornea so it bends light properly and focuses it precisely on your retina, enabling you to see more clearly.
After your LASIK procedure, you may not require visual aids or need them for just a few activities, such as driving at night.
We understand that the decision to have LASIK feels significant. After all, these are your eyes!
That's why we take the time to ensure you have all the facts and feel completely comfortable before proceeding. Before your LASIK consultation, let's address some of the most common myths and misconceptions about LASIK.
Myth 1: LASIK is painful
Fact: Rest assured, LASIK is virtually painless. Your surgeon will apply gentle numbing eye drops before your procedure, ensuring your complete comfort throughout the experience.
The only sensation most patients describe is a brief feeling of pressure for just a few seconds, but not pain. And if you're feeling a bit nervous (which is completely normal), your LASIK surgeon can provide a mild sedative to help you relax during your vision transformation journey.
Myth 2: The effects of LASIK wear off with time
Fact: One of the most wonderful things about LASIK is that it provides lasting vision correction. The procedure permanently reshapes your cornea to correct your specific refractive error.
Our LASIK patients continue to enjoy years of clear, glasses-free vision. While the effects of your LASIK procedure don't wear off, it's important to understand that LASIK can't prevent the natural vision changes that come with aging, just as glasses or contacts can't.
For example, many people develop presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) in their 40s. This isn't your LASIK wearing off, it's your eye's lens becoming less flexible with age, making it harder to focus on close-up objects.
When this happens, simple reading glasses or a LASIK enhancement can address these new vision changes, allowing you to continue enjoying clear sight for all your daily activities.
Myth 3: Your eye has to be perfectly still during LASIK to avoid going blind
Fact: You won't go blind if you blink, sneeze, or move unexpectedly during LASIK. Eye movements are factored into your treatment, so it should be no cause for concern.
The numbing eye drops applied at the start of your LASIK procedure will suppress your urge to blink. Your LASIK surgeon will also use a speculum to keep your eyelids open and keep you from blinking or closing your eyes.
Additionally, LASIK uses advanced eye-tracking technology that continuously monitors your eye movement and ensures the laser accurately targets the desired area of your cornea.
Even if you move a little, the system will track your eye more than a thousand times per second and adjust the laser to compensate for any eye movement within milliseconds, ensuring the laser is applied precisely to the target area of the cornea. If you move a lot, for instance, because of coughing or sneezing, the laser will automatically switch off, protecting your vision from harm.
Once your eye is back in the required position, the laser will continue treating the same spot it was before it paused. This ensures LASIK safety and precision at all times.
Myth 4: LASIK has a lengthy recovery
Fact: LASIK recovery is relatively fast. You should notice significantly improved vision within a few hours of your procedure.
While your eyes begin healing soon after LASIK, full recovery takes a little longer, usually three to six months. You'll need to avoid strenuous activities for a brief period.
However, you can resume work and other regular activities within a day or two post-surgery. To ensure a quick and successful recovery, follow all your ophthalmologist's post-operative care instructions carefully.
Myth 5: LASIK is too expensive
Fact: Although the up-front cost of LASIK may seem significant, the procedure will actually save you money in the long run. LASIK is a one-time expense and the results of the procedure are permanent, meaning you'll enjoy the benefits of crisp, sharp, unassisted vision for many years to come.
Getting LASIK makes financial sense when you calculate the ongoing cost of glasses and contact lenses. With visual aids, you have to frequently purchase new lenses, frames, contact refills, contact lens solutions, add-ons, and more.
These might seem like minor expenses, but they can quickly add up over time. LASIK drastically reduces or eliminates the costs associated with visual aids.
It gives you greater freedom from the hassles of glasses and contacts while saving you money. LASIK isn't covered by most insurance companies because it's considered an elective procedure.
Fortunately, you don't have to put your dream of clear, unaided vision on hold. Payment and financing options for LASIK are available, and combining them can make the procedure even more affordable.
You can cover the cost of LASIK using your Flexible Spending Account or FSA. Keep in mind that you have to use your pre-tax dollars within the year, or you may lose them.
If you have a Health Savings Account or HSA, you can also utilize those funds to cover the cost of LASIK. Another option is to finance your LASIK procedure with CareCredit. CareCredit allows you to pay in affordable monthly installments instead of one lump sum.
Don't let LASIK myths keep you from achieving crystal-clear vision without glasses or contacts. At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, our goal is to empower you to make the best decision for your eyes and attain the vision you've always wanted with LASIK.
Come in for a friendly, no-pressure consultation. We'll answer all your questions and help you decide if LASIK is right for your unique eyes and lifestyle. Schedule your LASIK consultation at Providence Eye Care in Charlotte, NC, today!
