Laser Eye Surgery: Common Misconceptions Explained

   Laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery which is done for treating various problems, such as Myopia, Hyperopia and astigmatism. It is also known as LASIK.

This type of surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist who uses a femtosecond laser or a microkeratone for creating a corneal flap in order to expose the corneal stroma and then an excimer laser for reshaping the corneal stroma in order to improve visual activity.

Laser eye surgery is considered as an effective form of treatment. However there are some misconceptions about this form of treatment. In this article we are going to discuss about those misconceptions and debunk them. Let us begin.

Common misconceptions about laser eye surgery

Some of the common misconceptions about laser eye surgery are:

Laser eye treatment is painful

Many people believe that laser eye treatment is painful. It is in fact one of the common misconceptions about this form of treatment but this is not true. This is painless for most of the patients. Your doctor will apply some drops which will make your eyes numb.

You will not feel any pain because of this reason. You may feel a little pressure in the eyes at the time of surgery, but this will be over in a few seconds. 

Laser eye surgery can cause blindness

Another common misconception about laser eye surgery is that it can cause blindness. Although laser eye surgery carries a small risk of causing blindness, it is much smaller compared to the risk posed by wearing contact lenses.

This small risk factor is usually considered as reasonable when compared with the potential advantages of this form of treatment.

In a real scenario, the possibility of a patient going blind after undergoing laser eye surgery with an experienced surgeon is very much low. Still, you should always know about the potential risks before undergoing surgery in your eyes. 

Longer period of recovery

Majority of people believe that laser eye surgery takes a long recovery period. However, this is not true at all. The surgery is over within seconds, and you can go home on the day of your surgery only. Doctors will advise you take rest for a few days, but this is for your own good only because it will give your eyes some time to recover.

The only side effects which are experienced by most patients are lured vision and sensitivity to light, but these problems will not stay for long. 

Laser eye treatment can only treat myopia

Another misconception about laser eye surgery is that it can treat only myopia. It is true that during the early days of laser eye surgery, it is mainly used for treating short-sightedness or myopia. But people should know that times have changed and our medical field has become advanced due to innovations and discoveries.

Laser eye surgery is no exception. Scientists and medical professionals have developed this form of treatment and now it can be used for treating all four types of reflective errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. 

Laser eye surgery is expensive

Laser eye surgery is also considered as an expensive form of treatment by many people. However, due to latest technologies and an increase in the number of people undergoing this form of treatment, the cost of this treatment has decreased over the years.

You should not allow cost to prevent you from choosing laser eye surgery and discuss about it with your doctor. The cost of this form of treatment is affordable at present. There are also various finance options which will help you to cover the cost of the procedure.

If you choose those options, then you will not have to withdraw money from your bank deposits for this treatment.

The laser is hot

When people hear the word laser, the first thing which comes in their mind is that it will be hot. They may fear that the hot rays will damage their eyes. They will be relieved to know that this is just a misconception about laser treatment. Lasers used for laser eye surgery are cold.

You might have heard that a burning smell comes out during laser surgery. This smell occurs because of the carbon atoms which are released into the air by the laser, so there is nothing to worry about. 

The results of this treatment is not permanent

Another common misconception about laser eye surgery is that its results are not permanent and they will reverse themselves after few years. People should understand the changes made in the cornea during laser eye surgery are very much permanent.

Studies have proven this. However, people should also consider the natural ageing of the eyes which will continue despite laser eye treatment.

As we reach an advanced stage of our lives, our eyes will change to some degrees. Studies have proved that these changes are minimal. 

Laser eye surgery is suitable only for young people

It is a common belief that laser eye surgery is suitable only for young people but this is totally false. This form of treatment is very much suitable for seniors also. Age is not a factor here.

Laser eye surgery can be performed as long as the eyes are healthy. People of all ages can undergo this form of treatment if they have a good health and are considered suitable by the surgeon.

Risk of complications 

Many people fear that laser eye surgery can lead to complications, some of which are serious but unlike these rumors, laser eye surgery is safe. Some risk factors are associated with all forms of surgical treatments and laser eye surgery is no exception.

However, you should know that the risk factors associated with this form of treatment is very low compared to the risk factors associated with wearing contact lens. The risk factors are also comparatively lower than the potential benefits of this form of treatment.  

Laser eye surgery is an effective form of treatment for all types of reflective errors. However, this form of treatment has not become popular due to some misconceptions. People should learn the truth so that they can get the benefit of this type of treatment.