LASIK Myths and Facts

LASIK is considered one of the greatest inventions of modern medicine. It can improve vision for nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic individuals and reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. However, myths and misinformation about laser eye surgery abound and prevent people from taking advantage of the many benefits the surgery has to offer. Let’s walk through some of the most prevalent LASIK myths and the truths behind them. 
1. Laser vision correction is a new technology. We don’t know yet if it has long-term side effects. 
Laser vision correction has been around for nearly 25 years. The patent for laser vision correction was granted to Dr. Gholam Peyman in 1989. The first LASIK procedure was performed after that by the Greek doctor, Ioannis Pillakaris. Since then, many studies and clinical trials have been conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of the procedure, as well as its short and long-term effects. Just like any surgical procedure, there are side effects such as dry eyes, but they resolve in a short time. No long-term complications have been heard of in its 20-plus year history of proven results. 
2. I can go blind from laser vision correction. 
To this date, there has been no report of someone going blind as a result of the procedure. Many LASIK specialists, including award-winning, Houston-based surgeon Dr. Amjad Khokhar of the Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, says that your chances of going blind from laser vision surgery is one in 5 million procedures. Laser vision correction has an excellent safety profile, with a success rate of 95%. Complications are minor and disappear quickly, such as dry eyes. As the technology gets more refined, many complications are minimized. 
3. It is painful. 
Dr. Khokhar has been performing LASIK surgery for many years. Before starting the procedure, he puts eye drops on the patient’s eyes to numb the eyes. This way, the patient will be comfortable during the surgery. 
4. It is expensive. 
It’s true that laser vision correction is an investment, but if you consider years of savings on contact lenses and solutions or broken and lost glasses, it’s a smart solution to seeing well. Some eye care centers, such as the Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, also offer financing options through partners like Chase Health Advance and CareCredit so you can easily afford clearer vision today. 
5. Laser vision correction means I will never need to wear glasses ever again. 
Laser vision correction has a high success rate in improving vision by correcting refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). It can, therefore, reduce an individual’s need for vision aids (glasses or contact lenses). However, laser vision surgery cannot stop normal aging of the eyes. When you reach 40, you might need glasses for such activities as reading. 
6. I’m too old to have laser vision correction surgery. 
Age is not an issue as long as you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. Dr. Khokhar says he has patients ranging in age from 18 to 70 years and even older. If you have concerns about your vision, see your ophthalmologist to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. 
 
Sources: 
http://www.healio.com/ophthalmology/refractive-surgery/news/print/ocular-surgery-news/%7Bc43b7666-14df-47ea-a000-1c4eeec253f9%7D/with-lasik-many-myths-are-being-created-and-discarded 
http://www.aao.org/publications/eyenet/200906/feature.cfm 
 
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com. 
 
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here. 
 :

are you a Candidate?
find out in 30 seconds
what will it cost me?
get a binding quote now
schedule your lasik!
book for surgery online
Phone in Chat Bubble Icon
Schedule Your Virtual Appointment!
are you a Candidate?
find out in 30 seconds
what will it cost me?
get a binding quote now
schedule your lasik!
book for surgery online