Webster defines fear as “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.” Many people put off having LASIK surgery because they are scared of possible outcomes. One of the most common reasons people fear LASIK is because they do not have all of the facts. So here is a list of common LASIK myths and truths!
Myth: “LASIK is too expensive.”
Truth: Think about how much you spend on glasses and contacts each year! Glasses can cost anywhere between $200-$900; contacts, contact fitting fees, contact solution, and cases can cost around $300 per year. Not to mention the hassle of dealing with either. You can spend money every year getting new glasses and contacts or you can get LASIK and stop worrying about updating your prescription every year. Realistically, LASIK pays for itself in about 4 years. LASIK is affordable, especially since we can offer 24 months of no interest financing! Additionally, most vision insurance plans offer a discount for LASIK!
Myth: “If you move your eye during surgery you’ll go blind.”
Truth: LASIK is a highly advanced procedure. The Allegretto Wave Eye-Q 400 laser has a pupil tracking system that follows your eye at 400 hertz per second. So there is no way you can mess it up!
Myth: “LASIK isn’t for me because I have astigmatism”
Truth: This was true for older technology lasers, but with the Allegretto Wave Eye-Q 400 laser we can treat most levels of astigmatism safely and accurately. In fact, the majority of people have some amount of astigmatism.
Myth: “LASIK isn’t permanent.”
Truth: LASIK correction lasts a lifetime! However, LASIK does not prevent our eyes from making changes. Around age 40 we enter presbyopia which is when our lens loses the ability to focus up close. This change requires us to use reading glasses or bifocals. Also, around age 70 cataracts develop.
Myth: “I will still need reading glasses even after LASIK”
Truth: Monovision is an option. One eye is for distance and one eye is for near. This may sound strange but most people can adapt to monovision very well. We even will let you trial monovision with contacts just to see how you like it!
Myth: “LASIK is a very painful procedure”
Truth: Before the procedure, we will give you a mild sedative to calm anxiety. We will then numb the eyes completely with anesthetic eye drops. People may experience mild burning and tearing during the first few hours after surgery. We ask that you go home and take a nap so that you can sleep through the initial discomfort. Most people wake up feeling fine and seeing great! They can even drive themselves to the post-operative appointment the next day!
To find out more about what to expect before during and after your procedure click here