Eye Laser Surgery: Myths and Facts
Eye laser surgery, also known as LASIK or PRK, is a popular procedure that can correct various vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, there are many misconceptions and myths about this procedure that may prevent some people from considering it as an option. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths and facts about eye laser surgery and help you make an informed decision.
Myth #1: Eye laser surgery is painful.
Fact: Eye laser surgery is a quick and painless procedure. Before the surgery, your eye doctor will apply numbing drops to your eyes to ensure that you don’t feel any pain. You may feel some pressure or discomfort when the surgeon creates a flap on your cornea or reshapes it with a laser, but this is usually mild and temporary. After the surgery, you may experience some dryness, itching, or sensitivity to light, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days or weeks. Your eye doctor will prescribe you some eye drops and painkillers to help you with the recovery.
Myth #2: Eye laser surgery only corrects nearsightedness.
Fact: Eye laser surgery can correct all types of refractive errors. Depending on the shape and curvature of your cornea, eye laser surgery can help you with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. The goal of the surgery is to reshape your cornea so that it can focus light properly on your retina, resulting in clear vision. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes and determine which type of surgery is best for you based on your prescription and eye health.
Myth #3: Eye laser surgery can cause blindness.
Fact: Blindness is not a complication of eye laser surgery. Eye laser surgery is a very safe and effective procedure that has been performed for over 30 years. The risk of serious complications, such as infection, inflammation, or scarring, is very low and can be prevented or treated with proper care and follow-up. There is no evidence that eye laser surgery can cause blindness or damage your retina or optic nerve. However, as with any surgery, there are some possible side effects and risks that you should be aware of and discuss with your eye doctor before undergoing the procedure.
Myth #4: Eye laser surgery is not affordable.
Fact: Eye laser surgery is generally affordable. The cost of eye laser surgery may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of surgery, the location of the clinic, the experience of the surgeon, and the equipment used. However, thanks to advanced technology and increased competition, the price of eye laser surgery has become more reasonable and accessible over the years.
Myth #5: You have to be a certain age to benefit from eye laser surgery.
Fact: There is no ideal age to undergo eye laser surgery. However, most eye doctors will recommend waiting until you are at least 18 years old before considering eye laser surgery. This is because your eyes need to be fully developed and stable before undergoing any type of refractive surgery. If you have eye laser surgery too early, your eyes may change over time and affect your results. Additionally, your eye doctor will check other factors, such as your general health, eye health, prescription, expectations, and lifestyle, to determine if you are a good candidate for eye laser surgery.
We hope this article post has been useful for you. If you have any questions or concerns about eye laser surgery, please contact us for more information and guidance. You can contact us by e-mail or whatsapp for a free consultation.