Busting LASIK Myths

If you have been considering LASIK, but you’re confused about some of the claims being made, you might be falling victim to some common LASIK myths. In this blog, we will provide the reality behind five common LASIK myths.

#1 – Anyone can have LASIK.

This simply isn't true. Certain vision conditions and even your overall health may cause you to be a poor candidate for LASIK. You must have a full LASIK examination by a trained ophthalmologist to determine:

• The thickness of your cornea (if it is too thin, LASIK is not recommended)
• Prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome
• Prevalence of eye disease, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc.
• Your current medical health

If a surgeon tells you that anyone can have LASIK, go somewhere else!

#2 – You’ll never need glasses again after LASIK.

Regardless of whether or not you have LASIK, a condition called presbyopia can “sneak up” on you when you reach your mid-40s. Caused by the stiffening of the eye lens, the eyes begin to have problems focusing on near objects. This is an age-related problem that happens to virtually everyone, and you may need reading glasses later in life to read up-close or in dimly-lit situations.

#3 – If you have astigmatism, you can’t have LASIK.

When you have a cornea that is shaped more like a football than a basketball, advanced LASIK technologies can be used to change the shape of the cornea to create the optimal shape and improve vision. Of course, every patient is unique. You can find out if your particular degree of astigmatism can be corrected by having a full eye exam.

#4 – LASIK is expensive. It’s cheaper to wear glasses.

When you look at the total cost of LASIK, it may seem like an unobtainable luxury. However, studies have shown that in the long run people may spend less on LASIK than on the continued maintenance of eyeglasses and contact lenses…and these are expenses that never end. When you weigh that number against the one-time cost of LASIK, and the fact that excellent LASIK financing options exist, the procedure looks much more affordable.

#5 – If I can’t have LASIK, I can’t get my vision corrected.

There are actually alternatives to LASIK for people who aren’t candidates for LASIK. PRK or ASA procedures do not require that a corneal flap be created, so those with thin corneas are sometimes candidates for this option. Alternatively, Refractive Lens Exchange is a procedure in which the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial IntraocularLens (IOL) to correct vision. There are other options as well, and your doctor should discuss those with you.  

Don’t write off LASIK without knowing all of the facts. Schedule your free LASIK Consultation at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston today at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com to learn more.