Timetable icon Self-scheduling is currently available for select locations!

Fact or Fiction? Debunking the Myths About LASIK Surgery

December 23, 2015

On the fence about whether or not you should get LASIK?

If so, you’ve probably read lots of information about the procedure online, some of which might have made you even more reluctant to follow through with the surgery. But how can you be sure whether or not what you’ve read is actually true?

To help you out, we thought we’d de-bunk these common myths about LASIK surgery:

You’ll never need contacts or glasses again after LASIK.

While LASIK can make a huge difference in the quality of your vision, it does not prevent your eyes from changing as you age. So, you may still need to wear reading glasses when you get older or continue wearing glasses under certain circumstances, like when you’re driving and it is dark outside.

Anyone can get LASIK surgery.

While LASIK is a good option for most people, others can’t have the surgery. Here are a few qualifications you must meet to get LASIK:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be free of certain eye diseases, including glaucoma and cataracts.
  • You must not be pregnant or nursing.
  • You must not have a persistent dry eye condition.
  • You must generally be in a good state of health.

Keep in mind that these are not all of the qualifications – you’ll need to talk to your eye doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for LASIK. For more information about whether or not you can have the procedure, check out our LASIK self-evaluation quiz.

LASIK can cause you to go blind.

You might be shocked to learn that no one has ever gone blind from LASIK surgery. In fact, serious complications involving the reduction of vision quality from the procedure are extremely rare. And, if complications do arise, they are often easily fixed with further treatment.

The lasers used during the procedure can cut your eye.

If you’re worried about lasers being used on your eye, you can find comfort in the fact that they cannot penetrate your body during the LASIK procedure. The lasers are extremely precise and are only used on the surface of your eye, so you don’t have to worry about any damage to the rest of your eye.

LASIK is a painful and risky procedure.

Many people automatically associate surgery with pain. However, with LASIK, you don’t feel anything! Your doctor will simply numb your eyes with special eye drops and begin the procedure. If this makes you nervous, you can request to be given a mild sedative. You can bet that your anxiety before the surgery will likely be the worst part of the entire procedure!

If you’re still unsure about getting LASIK, remember that your eye doctor is available to address your concerns and answer questions. If you’d like to set up a consultation with our New Jersey eye care team, contact us today!

 

 

Back to our blog

Services offered at OCLI

Our world-class team of professionals at OCLI can help you with the latest treatment options for you.

Schedule an appointment

Are you a new patient? *