One of the first steps in a patient’s LASIK journey is coming in for their free consultation. During this consultation, your LASIK surgeon will determine if you’re a candidate. If you do not qualify as a LASIK candidate, other vision correction options will be discussed.
But the patient LASIK consultation is not only for the LASIK surgeon to talk and for the patient to listen. In fact, it is during this consultation that we encourage our patients to ask any questions.
This allows our patients to walk away with a solid understanding of the procedure. LASIK is life-changing, but it can still be scary if you don’t understand it!
During these consultations, we hear about common LASIK myths. Whether you heard it from a friend of a friend or found it on the internet, they are everywhere.
We would like to set the record straight to help dispel the myths and separate fact from fiction. Keep reading to learn the real facts about LASIK!
LASIK Myth #1: About half of patients are not ideal candidates for LASIK
LASIK Truth: The fact is that this number is not accurate. There is no exact number, but millions of patients have LASIK every year.
It is true that not everybody qualifies as a LASIK candidate. Like any other procedure or surgery, LASIK may not be right for everyone. Here are some factors for good LASIK candidates:
- at least 18 years of age or over
- does not have any eye conditions
- not pregnant or breastfeeding
- does not have any eye injuries
- must have thick enough corneas
Chances are if you meet the above requirements, you’re a good candidate for LASIK! The only way to know for sure is to attend a LASIK consultation.
LASIK Myth #2: LASIK is too new to be safe
LASIK Truth: LASIK surgery was first introduced in the United States in the mid-1990’s. Since becoming FDA approved, LASIK has proven it is a safe and effective procedure.
It should come as no surprise then that LASIK is the most popular laser eye surgery performed today. As a procedure, LASIK has continued to evolve with state-of-the-art technologies and tools.
Because it is a surgery, LASIK does come with risks, but they are minimal. It’s no coincidence that LASIK has a 96% success rate with patients who have had it!
LASIK Myth #3: LASIK surgeons don’t get LASIK
LASIK Truth: This is definitely false! Polls show that most LASIK surgeons recommend LASIK to their family and friends. Even more, more than half of LASIK surgeons have had a LASIK procedure. Not every LASIK surgeon has had LASIK, but that’s okay too!
LASIK Myth #4: Dry eye is very common after LASIK
LASIK Truth: LASIK surgery can lead to symptoms of dry eye in the early phases of healing after surgery. What many people don’t realize is that dry eye after LASIK is only temporary. As long as you take good care of your eyes during recovery, dry eye is not permanent.
Want to find out once and for all if you’re a candidate for LASIK? Contact Ellis Eye in Madera, CA to schedule your FREE consultation today!
