LASIK is an elective surgery. This means many people are skeptical about its safety. After all, who would want to risk something as important as their eyesight by having a procedure they don’t need?
This line of thinking is understandable, but flawed. It has also spawned many misconceptions about LASIK.
These may have dissuaded people who could otherwise be experiencing clearer vision! Keep reading to find out if myths about LASIK are true!
MYTH: LASIK is Painful
It sounds like LASIK should be painful, but it’s not. There are numbing eye drops you receive so you never feel any pain.
At most, you may feel a slightly unnerving and unfamiliar pressure on your eye for a few seconds. If you are nervous going into the surgery, ask about receiving medication to help you relax.
The only potentially painful part about LASIK is the beginning of your recovery. Once the anesthetic wears off, you will likely feel a bit sore or experience some discomfort as your eyes begin to heal.
But this should not be anything close to severe pain. After a few days, your eyes will feel a lot better!
MYTH: LASIK Doesn’t Last Long
False again. LASIK is a permanent procedure. This doesn’t mean you won’t encounter other vision problems that could cause loss of eyesight such as cataracts, presbyopia, and glaucoma. LASIK can only treat current refractive errors permanently.
A refractive error occurs when the light entering your eye is not focused directly onto the retina, but rather in front of or behind it. By reshaping the cornea, the surgeon can correct the light passing through.
MYTH: LASIK is Likely to Cause Permanent Vision Damage
This isn’t true, either. LASIK has an astounding rate of success, with over 96% of patients reporting satisfaction with their results. That is 96% of millions of patients, making it one of the most successful surgeries in any medical field.
As with any procedure, there is a certain amount of risk that you take on, but LASIK is unique in how predictable your results can be.
MYTH: LASIK is Only for the Wealthy
Because LASIK is an elective procedure, most insurance plans will not cover it. But what many people don’t consider is that you don’t have to eat that cost all at once.
You can break it down into monthly payments over the course of a year or two, making the cost much more manageable. You can also look into employer opportunities such as a flexible spending account.
These (known more commonly as an FSA) let you set aside money before it is taxed and spend it on various healthcare costs that insurance won’t normally cover like LASIK.
You should also consider the long term financial benefits of LASIK. Besides the priceless benefits of a glasses-free lifestyle, you will also be saving on repair costs, updating prescriptions, and contact replacements. They may seem like small costs but they add up quickly. The sooner you get LASIK, the more you save!
Think you could be a good candidate for LASIK? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Vision Care of Maine in Bangor, ME now!
If not now, when will you make the choice to experience clear vision for yourself?
