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October 16, 2019
If you're ready to experience clearer vision, LASIK may be an option worth exploring. This outpatient procedure has helped millions of eligible patients reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses, yet many people still hesitate because of common misconceptions they find online.
Questions like "Can you go blind from LASIK?", "Is LASIK surgery FDA approved?", and "Can LASIK cure blindness?" are among the most frequently searched topics about the procedure. At Kremer Eye Center, we want to help you understand the truth about LASIK so that you can make a more informed decision before scheduling a consultation. Here are five common myths and the facts behind them.
One of the biggest concerns patients have is whether they can go blind from LASIK or what the chances of going blind from LASIK actually are. The truth is that LASIK has an excellent safety record when performed by an experienced LASIK surgeon on carefully screened candidates. Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries some risk, but severe vision-threatening complications are extremely uncommon.
A comprehensive consultation allows your surgeon to evaluate your eyes, discuss your medical history, and determine whether LASIK is the right procedure for you.
While LASIK successfully treats many people with blurry vision caused by common focusing problems, not everyone is a candidate. Your surgeon will evaluate several factors, including:
If LASIK isn't the best option, your surgeon can discuss other specialty procedures that may better fit your needs.
A common misconception is that LASIK can cure blindness. LASIK is designed to correct common focusing problems such as:
However, it does not restore vision lost because of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, optic nerve damage, or other eye diseases that can lead to blindness.
Many prospective patients ask, "Is LASIK surgery FDA approved?" Yes. The lasers used during modern LASIK procedures have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after extensive clinical testing demonstrated their safety and effectiveness for eligible patients.
Since then, LASIK technology has continued to advance, allowing surgeons to personalize treatment based on each patient's unique eyes. According to the FDA, the excimer lasers used for LASIK have undergone clinical testing and received FDA approval for treating eligible patients with certain refractive errors*. The FDA also emphasizes that candidacy for LASIK should be determined through a comprehensive evaluation by an experienced LASIK surgeon.
Some people believe LASIK only improves vision temporarily. In reality, LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct blurry vision. Although your eyes continue to change naturally with age, the LASIK treatment itself does not "wear off." For example, many adults eventually develop age-related changes in near vision that occur whether or not they've had LASIK.
Understanding this distinction is an important part of learning the truth about LASIK and setting realistic expectations.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for LASIK?
The best way to find out is through a consultation with a LASIK surgeon. During your evaluation, your surgeon will assess factors such as your eye health, corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall medical history to determine whether LASIK is the right option for your vision needs.
Will I ever need glasses after LASIK?
Many patients enjoy long-lasting improvement in their distance vision after LASIK. However, normal age-related changes, such as presbyopia, can still affect near vision over time. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations based on your age and vision goals.
How long does LASIK surgery take?
The LASIK procedure itself typically takes only a few minutes per eye, although you'll spend more time at the surgical center for preparation and post-procedure instructions. Most patients can return home shortly after surgery.
The best way to separate myths from facts is to speak with an experienced LASIK surgeon. During your consultation at Kremer Eye Center, your surgeon will evaluate your eyes, answer your questions, and determine whether LASIK is the right treatment for your vision needs.
Schedule your consultation at Kremer Eye Center today and take the next step toward clearer vision.
*Source: FDA.
