Debunking Common LASIK Fears

LASIK is the most effective and safest procedure for correcting refractive errors, like myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. However, some people who qualify for the procedure hesitate to get treated because of unfounded fears and rumors.

Here are common LASIK fears that you shouldn’t worry about:

 

“I’m afraid of the pain.”

Fact: LASIK Is Painless
Back in the 90s, LASIK was performed with the use of blades (microkeratome). However, the procedure has also evolved with technological advancement and now no longer uses a blade. Most patients who have undergone bladeless LASIK say that they only felt a slight pressure during the procedure, like someone was pushing their eye for a couple of minutes. Very few people describe the pressure as painful while some don’t even feel any pressure at all.

 

“I’m afraid to be awake during the procedure.”

Fact: LASIK Is Fast
You don’t have to be afraid of being awake during the procedure. Since numbing drops are administered, you won’t feel any pain. The little pressure you may feel during the procedure is when the doctor creates a flap in your cornea to correct the refractive error. This only takes a few seconds.

 

“I’m afraid of going blind.”

Fact: LASIK Will Not Lead To Blindness
There are no reported cases of a patient going blind due to LASIK in the Philippines and majority of patients obtain 20/20 vision or even better after the surgery. The risk of getting serious complications after the procedure is less than one percent and cases of a patient’s vision worsening after LASIK is very rare. In case of occurrence, your surgeon will perform a second procedure, called enhancement, to correct the problem.

 

“I’m afraid of potential complications.”

Fact: Post-LASIK Care Is Easy
Like all surgeries, LASIK has potential risks and side effects. However, its post-surgery care can be easily managed with proper care and supervision. Some patients reported having dry eyes after the surgery but this is only temporary and may last for weeks or few months depending on the patients’ lifestyle and personal hygiene. The ophthalmologist will also provide patients with specific steps to restore the tear film and provide comfort until the healing is complete.