Your Top LASIK Fears Answered
 

Are you thinking about getting LASIK but have some fears about the process? It is understandable to be nervous about surgery since they all have their own associated risks. However, the LASIK procedure is very safe, with a high
success rate of improved visual outcomes. LASIK is arguably the safest elective surgical procedure available today. Plus, patients love the idea of getting rid of glasses and contacts. To help you make your decision, we have your top LASIK fears answered below. 

Fear #1: I am awake during the procedure
 

The LASIK procedure is minimally invasive and is usually performed in about 15-20 minutes for the entire procedure per eye. First, numbing drops are used to make the procedure painless. There are no sharp instruments (blades, etc.)used for this procedure. A device is used to keep the eyes open, and the surgeon continuously lubricates the eyes. These measures along with instructions from the surgeon will help to make the procedure go smoothly. 

Fear #2: Is LASIK painful?

LASIK is a painless procedure. The surgeon uses anesthetic drops to numb your eyes. There are no sharp instruments or needles injections or anesthesia used for LASIK. It is possible to feel a little bit of pressure, but you will not experience any pain during the procedure and even through the recovery period. 

Fear #3: Is a blade used on my eye?

When LASIK was first approved by the FDA in 1995, surgeons used a small handheld blade called a microkeratome to create the corneal flap manually before an excimer laser was used to reshape the cornea. In 2001, the FDA approved an all-laser or bladeless method of performing LASIK. Since then, technology has further advanced to provide advanced custom LASIK options such as Contoura Vision LASIK, which is topography-guided to deliver enhanced visual clarity and correction in refractive error. 

Be sure to ask your provider about all the LASIK options available. Be wary of coupons and discounts since the decrease in cost could mean a skimp on the technology or the experience of the surgeon. Given the advancements in technology today, you should not trade an outdated LASIK option for a discounted price. 

Fear #4: The cost
 

It is true that LASIK is not cheap, and it is not covered by insurance. The cost of LASIK depends on the technology and the experience of the surgeon. You should be wary of providers promising you low-cost LASIK options that seem too good to be true. 

Some options to make LASIK more affordable include financing offers from the provider, taking advantage of flexible and health savings accounts, and waiting until spring to use your tax refund to help pay for the procedure. If you compare the one-time cost of LASIK versus the cost of glasses and contacts over a lifetime, LASIK is actually cheaper. Not to mention the added convenience and improved quality of life. 

Fear #5: Post-surgery complications
 

The rate of serious complications occurring from LASIK is less than 1%, and even those are treatable. The most common complications include dry eyes, and visual phenomena like glare and halos. It has been shown that all these side effects improve with time. infection, double vision, issues with night vision, and glares or halos. Choosing Aa qualified provider who uses the best technology available reduces the risk of complications. LASIK surgeons at Coastal Vision Medical are highly trained and experienced in performing the procedure. Coastal Vision’s mission is to provide the best possible medical and surgical ophthalmological care to patients utilizing the latest and best technology available. 

If the results from the procedure are not optimal, it is possible to perform a LASIK enhancement to achieve improved results. Pre-operative and post-operative appointments should be included as part of your LASIK package. Having the right care at the right time will mitigate risks associated with complications.

Fear #6: Will recovery take a long time?
 

Recovery time depends on the individual, but most patients recover to their normal routine within the first week after surgery. You will immediately see vision improvements on the same day as your LASIK procedure. Just a few days after the procedure, you will be able to return to work. Be sure to ask your provider if you have specific questions about the dos and don’ts after LASIK surgery.  

Fear #7: Do LASIK results change over time?
 

As you may have noticed with your glasses and contacts prescriptions, your vision can change over time. The best time to have LASIK is when your vision stabilizes, usually in your mid-late 20s and 30s. LASIK will correct your vision to the best possible outcome based on your prescription at the time of the procedure. The results will have long-lasting effects. The only thing that cannot be prevented is age-related vision changes including presbyopia and cataracts. 

LASIK is an exceptionally safe procedure when performed by properly trained, experienced surgeons who use the latest technologies. It has a high success rate of positive outcomes with lasting effects. According to research from the American Refractive Surgery Council, the LASIK success rate equates to 99% of patients achieving 20/40 vision or better and more than 90% achieving 20/20 vision or better. And the patient satisfaction rate is 96%, the highest of any elective procedure. 

Coastal Vision Medical is a premier provider of LASIK, refractive surgeries, cataract surgery, and the treatment of glaucoma and other general ophthalmologic conditions. Our LASIK consultants can review any questions or concerns you may have. Visit us in Orange, Irvine, Long Beach, or Norco for your free LASIK consultation today!