LASIK: Facts vs Myths
At Durrie Vision, we know there’s a lot of misinformation out there about LASIK procedures. This can be confusing to anyone considering LASIK and can often lead someone to incorrectly assume laser vision correction isn’t right for them. To separate fact from fiction, we asked Dr. Jason Stahl to dispel some of the most common LASIK myths.
Myth: I can’t have LASIK because I have astigmatism.
Fact: LASIK is an excellent treatment for astigmatism. Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is simply another form of refractive error. An astigmatic cornea has a slightly different curvature in one direction or the other, causing blurred or distorted vision. Today’s advanced laser technology corrects the refractive error by reshaping the cornea, resulting in a permanent change.
Myth: All LASIK facilities are the same, it doesn’t really matter who I choose.
Fact: Your surgeon’s experience and technical expertise, combined with the diagnostic and treatment technology utlilized, 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 are able to deliver a highly personalized experience resulting in exceptional visual outcomes.
Myth: Glasses and contacts are cheaper than LASIK.
Fact: While LASIK does come with an upfront cost, patients can save money over time when compared to a lifetime of glasses and contacts. To get a better picture of what you’re already spending for your vision, I highly recommend you compare the cost associated with a one-time procedure against the long-term expense of glasses and contacts using our online calculator. Recognizing that cost is still a big factor in your decision-making process, Durrie Vision offers a variety of payment options, including:
• 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 approved medical expenses, including LASIK.
• Financing plans: Durrie Vision has an incredible plan that offers $0 down and 0% interest for 24 months.
Myth: LASIK causes dry eye, halos and glare.
Fact: Moderate glare and dry eyes are common side effects immediately following the procedure; however, they usually go away within three to six months. Proper testing, like our state-of-the-art Advanced Ocular Analysis (AOA), before the procedure can identify patients who are at a high risk for complications and collectively decide if LASIK is right for them.
Myth: LASIK is still new and no one knows the long-term side effects.
Fact: Laser vision correction technology was developed 30 years ago, and LASIK was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in 1998. As of 2018, over 40 million LASIK procedures have been performed world wide, and to date no long-term ill effects of the procedure are known.
Myth: The LASIK procedure and recovery are painful.
Fact: Good news! Most patients don’t report experiencing any pain during the LASIK procedure. That’s because surgeons apply numbing eye drops to prevent eye pain or discomfort during the procedure. Afterwards, patients typically rest their eyes at home for a few hours. Sometimes patients experience mild dryness, itching or burning that we treat with medications. Most patients resume their normal routine the following day.
Myth: LASIK wears off and I’ll have to go back to glasses or contacts someday.
Fact: The effects of LASIK last a lifetime as it results in a permanent change to the cornea. However, it does not prevent or address age-related changes to the lens inside the eye. This natural aging of the lens is caused by the Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome (DLS), which leads to a decrease in near vision and the need for reading glasses. DLS can be corrected with Refractive Lens Exchange or Refractive Cataract Surgery.
Myth: I’m too old for LASIK.
Fact: While LASIK is typically not the best option for patients over 50, there are alternative solutions that make a life without glasses and contacts possible. As a refractive surgery specialists, Durrie Vision offers solutions for improved vision at any stage in life. LASIK is a corneal procedure, best suited for patients aged 18-49 as it is designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. After age 50, most patients will be experiencing the effects of DLS, which is due to the loss of flexibility within the lens. A lens replacement procedure is the only solution designed to treat this common age-related condition.