By Jeffrey B. Robin, MD – LASIK & Cornea Specialist, Frantz EyeCare
Millions of Americans enjoy freedom from dependence on glasses and contacts thanks to the FDA approval of LASIK surgery in 1999. Yet many patients still have unfounded concerns about the procedure – how it works, its safety and more. I hope you find these answers to the top 10 common concerns about LASIK useful as you consider whether LASIK is right for you.
Concern #1. I need to put off having LASIK until it’s been perfected.
Since LASIK was first introduced in the mid-1990s, an estimated 25 million people worldwide have undergone the procedure with excellent results. It is a remarkably successful procedure that is the gold standard for patients who want to permanently correct their vision and reduce or even eliminate dependence on glasses and contacts. In fact, LASIK is approved by the U.S. Military for service men and women, and by NASA for astronauts. Most patients can expect a greater than 90% chance of achieving 20/20 vision without correction following LASIK.
Concern #2. LASIK is too risky. I could permanently damage my eyesight.
No surgery is risk-free, but according to a multi-center study undertaken by the FDA and the US Department of Defense and reported in 2014, LASIK has an excellent track record of visual results, minimal risks/complications and very high patient satisfaction. More than 95 percent of patients in the study achieved 20/20 vision or better after their procedure and all were very satisfied with the results. Realistically, the only completely risk-free vision correction is wearing glasses. While safe in the vast majority of patients, risks of complications with contact lenses are well documented and especially infections of the cornea which can result in permanent vision loss. And recent studies are finding that prolonged use of contact lenses may contribute to other vision challenges over time.
Concern #3. I wouldn’t qualify for LASIK. The degree of correction I need is too severe.
Thanks to advances in technology, the vast majority of people are good candidates for LASIK surgery today. A combination of sophisticated preoperative diagnostic tools and the leading-edge lasers used during the procedure make LASIK appropriate and safe for a wide range of prescriptions. When LASIK was first introduced more than two decades ago, it was only available to patients with nearsightedness. Today, it is widely used and accepted for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. If you, a friend or family member were told in the past that you were not a good candidate for LASIK, we recommend that you get a second opinion to see if that might have changed.
Concern #4. LASIK is only temporary. I’ll have to undergo surgery when I’m older.
For the majority of patients, the results of LASIK are permanent. The surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. You may know of people who needed an “enhancement” or a “touch-up,” but this is a very small percentage – less than 5 percent. It is extremely rare for LASIK-corrected vision to regress to the point that you would need to have the procedure again years later.
Concern #5. If I have LASIK, I won’t be able to have cataract surgery if I need it in the future.
There is no relationship between LASIK and cataract surgery. LASIK does not cause cataracts, accelerate the development of cataracts or interfere with patients undergoing successful cataract surgery. LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to correct vision errors, while cataracts are a gradual clouding of the lens inside the eye, usually due to age. Patients who underwent LASIK two decades ago while in their 30s and 40s, are now in their 50s and 60s and may be developing cataracts. With our laser Cataract Surgery procedure, we are able to offer them excellent outcomes.
Concern #6. LASIK causes dry eyes and
terrible nighttime vision.
In the early days of LASIK, there were reports of dry eye and nighttime glare or halos. With the introduction of all-laser LASIK and other advances, these issues are less of a problem for the majority of patients. Following LASIK, there may be some degree of temporary dryness due to decreased tear production post-surgery; but we take steps to manage this side effect by having patients use lubricating eye drops to reduce any discomfort. The vast majority of patients report marked improvement in only a few months. Similarly, nighttime vision is also less of an issue today due to improvements in delivery of the laser energy to reshape the cornea. Mild symptoms almost always disappear within a few months.
Concern #7. I am too old or too young to have LASIK.
The truth is there is really not an age limit for LASIK. However, most LASIK surgeons specify that patients must be at least 18 years old. Prior to that, your prescription may still be changing due to the normal growth and development that occurs during the teen years. LASIK can also be successfully performed on patients in their 50s, 60s or 70s; however, these age groups are more likely to have other potentially vision-affecting disorders, especially cataracts, and should schedule a consultation to make sure they are good candidates. If there are no vision-affecting cataracts, LASIK may be a reasonable option. If cataracts are an issue, we may recommend cataract surgery with Active Life Lenses that allow for seamless vision at all distances without the need for contacts or glasses.
Concern #8. LASIK is only for distance, and I need reading glasses.
Some patients have the misunderstanding that by the time they reach 40, they are too old for LASIK. Others think that because they now need reading glasses, they do not qualify for LASIK. Neither situation is accurate. Loss of sharp, close-up vision is called presbyopia and is common as people age. Fortunately, there is an effective solution called monovision where we can correct one eye for distance and the other eye for near vision. For patients who don’t have difficulty with distance vision and have never worn glasses, it may be possible to correct just one eye for reading. The vast majority of patients tolerate monovision well, but we will assess your tolerance of monovision during your preoperative evaluation.
Concern #9. LASIK is too expensive for me to afford.
Consider the costs associated with corrective eyewear. The list is endless and can include glasses, contact lenses, contact lens solutions, progressive lenses, cases, prescription designer sunglasses and doctor’s visits. Now multiply that over a 20 or 30-year period. Your costs can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. LASIK is a one-time only cost. If you wear contact lenses, it is estimated that LASIK will pay for itself in about three years. The return on investment for LASIK is substantial, and the potential freedom from corrective eyewear is priceless.
Concern #10. Anyone can have LASIK.
While advances in LASIK technology make permanent vision correction a reality for the vast majority of adults, there are individuals who are not good candidates. Careful patient selection is the key to a successful experience and good results. People who have chronic issues related to the cornea, other eye diseases, or certain medical conditions may not be appropriate candidates for LASIK. As with any procedure, there is no guarantee, although it is important to note that LASIK has a long track record of success with millions of satisfied patients.
To find out if you are a LASIK candidate, the first step is a free consultation. Call Frantz EyeCare at 239.791.2020 or schedule your consultation online at BetterVision.net.
Jeffrey B. Robin, MD, is a LASIK & Cornea Specialist who practices ophthalmology with Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS. He and the team of doctors at Frantz EyeCare offer a broad spectrum of patient-focused comprehensive care from eye exams and eyewear to bladeless laser cataract removal, treatment of eye diseases, bladeless WaveLight LASIK laser vision correction, and eyelid surgery with office locations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Lehigh Acres, and Naples.