Top 10 Myths About LASIK and LASEK

The following are the top ten myths about LASIK eye surgery. The general press and many media organizations have, to a certain degree, painted a some what inaccurate picture about LASIK eye surgery. This has resulted in misconceptions. The following list of myths, followed by the reality, should clear up some of these misconceptions.

Myth 1:

Laser Vision Correction procedure is to new and therefore is to risky.

Reality:

LASIK and LASEK is actually 15 years old and the principles upon which it was founded are over 50 years old. Millions of people have used this procedure with success. A very small number develop complications. There is currently about a 1% complication rate.

Myth 2:

Laser Vision Correction is not a surgical procedure.

Reality:

LASIK and LASEK is a very precise form of surgery. The cutting tool in this case is laser energy and not a scalpel.

Myth 3:

The best LASIK or LASEK surgeon is the one who has completed the most procedures.

Reality:

While experience is important, after about 400 to 500 procedures the surgeon has passed the learning curve and the completion of additional procedures does not improve his/her skill very much. Assuming the surgeon you select has completed at least 500 procedures, a more important factor in terms of selecting the right surgeon for yourself is the quality of care and to what degree is individualized care provided.

Myth 4:

LASIK is Better Then LASEK.

Reality:

They are basically the same procedure, the only difference is the thickness of the tissue cut to create a flap for cornea exposure. In LASEK, an ultra-thin flap is cut in the outermost part of the cornea, an alcohol solution is applied to loosen it up. Then as in LASIK, the surgeon then lifts the flap and uses a laser to reshape the underlying cornea. Depending on the individual patient requirements, some may require a very thin cut. The procedure which is right for your case is determined by your surgeon.

Myth 5:

Intralase is to risky.

Reality:

Intralase is a method used within LASER Vision Correction by which a laser is used to cut the corneal tissue in order create the corneal flap. The older method uses a microkeratome to cut the corneal tissue for flap creation. Intralase creates a cleaner cut compared to the cut created by the microkeratome. This actually results in fewer complications and therefore fewer risks are associated with Laser Vision Correction which uses Intralase.

Myth 6:

The cost for LASER Vision Correction is about the same regardless where ever you go.

Reality:

The cost can vary between different treatment centers. This is due primarily to the difference in laser strength and quality. Also, Laser Vision Correction surgeons will compete in the market place for patient customers.

Myth 7:

Laser Vision Correction can only be done once.

Reality:

Your eyes can change after Laser Vision Correction. Rarely will they go back to the way they were. Your surgeon will look for a stable eye prescription as one of the criteria prior to your surgery. If needed Laser Vision Correction can be repeated. Enhancement may be easier with LASEK 2-3 years after surgery than Lasik if it may be needed.

Myth 8:

If the FDA approves it, it must be OK.

Reality:

The FDA currently approves only certain LASIK and LASEK procedures. Some procedures the FDA approves may still be harmful in some way to some patients. Only an experienced Laser Vision Correction surgeon can determine if a particular procedure is safe for you.

Myth 9:

Glare and Halos are a common complication.

Reality:

Glare and halos today are uncommon due to advanced laser systems.

Myth 10:

Dry eye is temporary after Laser Vision Correction.

Reality:

A small amount of dry eye can be expected after Laser Vision Correction. The level at which this usually exists is not bothersome for most people. Scientific studies have shown that dry eye patients treated with Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%, Allergan) experienced better outcomes in visual acuity following LASIK surgery for vision correction than dry eye patients using artificial tears.

These are the 10 most common myths associated with LASIK and LASEK eye surgery. To decide if LASIK or LASEK is right for you, write the above misconceptions down and discuss these with your surgeon. Only after a thorough analysis and discussion with your surgeon will you be able to make the right decision. LASIK and LASEK is not without risk, which is true for all types of surgery. Today, because of advancements in laser eye surgery technology, the probability of developing complications has been minimized.