LASIK Myths

Despite the fact that LASIK has been a trusted eye correction procedure for decades, there is still a great deal of misinformation about it. As Kansas City’s trusted LASIK providers, the surgeons at Durrie Vision hear our fair share of common LASIK myths and misconceptions from prospective patients every day. 

The truth is LASIK is the safest, most successful, and most studied elective procedure. LASIK eye surgery also has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective procedure! 

Get the facts on LASIK

Believing LASIK myths can cause you to deal with less-than-ideal vision for longer than necessary. If you’re tired of the hassle that comes with glasses and contact lenses, LASIK could be for you. The surgeons at Durrie Vision have performed thousands of LASIK surgeries and decided it was time to debunk some common LASIK myths.

 

Common myth:
People with astigmatism can’t get LASIK.

The reality:
LASIK is actually a great option for those with astigmatism. Astigmatism is simply another type of refractive error, and like nearsightedness and farsightedness, it can be corrected with LASIK.

Astigmatic corneas have a different curvature in one direction or the other, which causes a slight blur or vision distortion. Our advanced laser techniques can correct this refractive error by reshaping the cornea. This permanently treats astigmatism and improves vision quality. 

 

Common myth:
People who have undergone LASIK still end up in glasses, so it isn’t worth it.

The reality:
LASIK can permanently treat a variety of refractive errors. It cannot, however, stop the process of eye aging. Even people who are born with perfect vision will someday likely need readers. Cataracts are one of the inevitable vision milestones for most people. This is why millions of people choose LASIK over the hassle of glasses or contact lenses throughout their lives. When cataracts do develop, we can help correct them as well with a refractive cataract surgery.

 

Common myth:
LASIK is unaffordable because insurance does not cover it.

The reality:
While LASIK is considered an elective surgery and therefore not typically covered by insurance plans, you may be surprised at how affordable it can be. At Durrie Vision, we recognize that cost is a big factor in the decision-making process. To that end, we offer a variety of payment options. Those include:

• Flex Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) – through an employer-sponsored FSA or HSA, you can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for LASIK and other approved medical expenses. 
• Financing options – Durrie Vision is pleased to offer a plan with $0 down and 0% interest for 24 months to those who qualify. Learn more about LASIK financing options through Durrie. 

 

Common myth:
Because LASIK is performed with the same equipment everywhere you go, choosing the cheapest option is best.

The reality:
Your surgeon’s experience and technical expertise, combined with the diagnostic and treatment technology utilized, have a direct impact on your visual outcome. Thousands of people choose Durrie Vision every year because we offer several advantages. Our surgeons are among the most experienced and respected vision correction specialists in the country. We have performed over 65,000 procedures combined and have been involved in over 200 clinical research trials over the years. With a full lineup of the most advanced technologies available, we deliver a highly personalized experience resulting in exceptional visual outcomes.

 

Common myth:
LASIK eye surgery significantly increases the risk of glares and halos in vision.

The reality:
Multiple studies have shown a dramatic reduction in glare and halos with patients’ glasses-free vision three months after LASIK surgery. Studies of pilots have also concluded that 88% of pilots who landed on aircraft carriers at night saw an improvement in their night vision after LASIK.

 

Common myth:
The LASIK procedure and recovery process are painful.

The reality:
Most patients do not report any pain during the LASIK procedure. We apply numbing eye drops to prevent eye pain or any type of discomfort during the procedures. The advanced laser we use adjusts to any unintentional movements so they will not affect your outcomes. After the procedure, patients are free to go home and rest their eyes for a few hours. There may be a small amount of itching or burning for some patients, but those are treated with medications. Most people are able to resume their normal routine—minus glasses or contact lenses—the following day! 

 

Common myth:
LASIK surgery can lead to dry eyes.

The reality:
There have been FDA studies on post-LASIK dry eye symptoms that have shown dry eye symptoms in patients return to normal within six months of surgery. While 23% of patients did report mild dry eye three months after their operation, there was a significant reduction by the six month point.

 

Common myth:
LASIK has not improved or advanced since it started.

The reality:
LASIK has made great strides and improvements in the years since the procedure was first used. There has been continual improvement in both the visual acuity after LASIK and the safety of the procedure. The advent of the femtosecond laser to cut the needed flap has decreased a majority of complications that occurred in the earliest days of the procedure, making this one of the safest and most effective elective procedures you can get. 

 

Common myth:
The LASIK flap can be easily dislodged.

The reality:
Almost all flap dislocations occur within the first few days after LASIK as a result of not wearing eye protection as instructed. Another reason a flap dislocation may happen is if you are bumped or hit in the eye within the first few days after your procedure. If you follow your post operative instructions and avoid any type of accident that would involve your eye being hit, there is almost no chance your flap will dislodge. A flap dislocation would cause noticeable pain, discomfort, eye watering, and  blurred vision. 

 

Common myth:
I’m too old for LASIK eye surgery.

The reality:
If you think you’re too old for LASIK eye surgery, you may be surprised. While it is true that once the interior lens of the eye begins to age there is nothing LASIK itself can do, there are many alternative options available for total vision correction. We usually recommend LASIK for patients who are between the ages of 18-54, depending upon overall eye health and condition. For those who are in their mid-to-late 50s and beyond, you may be better served with a refractive lens exchange. This procedure addresses the interior lens of the eye, the one that develops cataracts, and prevents those cataracts from forming. If your cataracts are already developed, a refractive cataract surgery can return your clear vision. 

 

Common myth:
LASIK is too new for us to understand the long term side effects.

The reality:
LASIK has been around since the 1980s. It’s a very well established and well understood procedure. There are not any documented long-term side effects of LASIK, other than improved vision. 

 

Common myth:
Contact lenses are much safer than LASIK surgery.

The reality:
LASIK is no more likely to cause issues with your vision than regular daily use contacts. And the likelihood of either causing vision loss is incredibly low. Contact lenses require far more maintenance, cost over time, and hassle than getting LASIK. They are not safer. In fact, contact lenses come with a risk of infection. Contacts are a medical device and must be cared for properly for safe use. Failure to wear, store, and clean your contacts properly can lead to a high risk of infection in your eye. 

Debunk more LASIK myths with Durrie Vision

At Durrie Vision, we are here to improve your vision. We will do everything in our power to educate you and make sure your vision is better after your treatment. We perform thorough assessments to ensure any patient is an ideal candidate for LASIK or our other vision procedures. 

With our Advanced Ocular Analysis, we go above and beyond surface-level LASIK screenings and can provide a 3D visualization and analysis of the entire ocular system. This in-depth eye assessment provides the information needed to determine your surgical candidacy and customize a treatment plan for you.

Schedule a free consultation today

At Durrie Vision, you are our top priority every step of the way. We give truly individualized options to any patient who comes to us to enhance their vision. We will make a fair assessment that puts your long-term best interests in mind. Because we have the technological options, you can trust you’re getting a straight answer rather than being pushed toward a certain procedure. Find out if you’re a candidate for refractive lens exchange or LASIK.

 

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