Shining a light on LASIK

LASIK is a fascinating medical procedure. A doctor uses lasers to create a flap in the cornea and reshape the inner corneal tissue. The flap is then replaced and the eye heals normally. When the procedure is over, your need for corrective lenses is greatly reduced or eliminated. But as common a procedure as it is, there is still a lot of misinformation about LASIK out there, so today we’ll separate the myths from the facts.

Myth: LASIK is painful.

Fact: LASIK is pain-free. Numbing drops are put on your eyes before the procedure. The most you’ll feel is some brief pressure. If you’re still nervous, your doctor can give you a mild sedative to help you relax.

Myth: LASIK can make you go blind.

Fact: There have been no recorded cases of people going blind from LASIK.

Myth: The laser can burn your eye.

Fact: LASIK uses “cold” – or low-intensity – lasers so you can’t get burned.

Myth: Getting LASIK means you’ll never need glasses or contact lenses again.

Fact: Your vision naturally gets worse as you age, so there is a good chance you’ll still need reading glasses after the age of 40.

Myth: No one knows the long-term consequences of LASIK.

Fact: LASIK is more than 30 years old and no long-term side effects have been documented.

Myth: The equipment makes the quality of LASIK care the same, so it doesn’t matter who does your surgery.

Fact: Like with any surgery, the equipment is just a tool. The surgeon still needs to perform the actual procedure. That’s why you want to go to a skilled fellowship-trained or board-certified LASIK surgeon, like CEENTA’s William Hammonds, MD, and Casey Mathys, MD. While they always use the most up-to-date technology, it is their skills as surgeons that ensure you get the best care possible.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To schedule an appointment for a consultation to learn if LASIK is right for you, call 704-295-3000.

Still have questions about LASIK? Find some more answers here.

Are you the right age for LASIK? Find out here.

Are you planning a trip right after you get LASIK? Check out what will be okay for your eyes here.