From stunning beach sunsets in Orange County to the bustling energy of Los Angeles, life in Southern California is meant to be savored—yet for those struggling with vision problems, these beautiful surroundings can sometimes feel out of reach. While LASIK eye surgery offers a potential solution, common misconceptions can hold patients from following through with a consultation. If this sounds like you, join us as we explore 5 of the top LASIK myths that keep you from having a clear vision and a more active lifestyle.
1. LASIK Eye Surgery Is Painful.
A common LASIK myth, and likely the main one that keeps people away, is that LASIK is painful. The reality is that LASIK is virtually painless.
- Comfort First. Numbing eye drops are applied before treatment to ensure you feel no discomfort during the 10-15 minute procedure. You may feel a slight pressure on your eye, but that’s it.
- Post-Surgery Sensations. Some mild discomfort or a gritty feeling may occur afterward, but this usually subsides within a few hours and can be managed with the prescribed eye drops and over-the-counter pain relievers.
At Excel Eye Institute in Los Angeles, Dr Moosa and the team prioritize your comfort at every stage of the LASIK process, ensuring a positive, pain-free experience from start to finish.
2. LASIK Is Unsafe and Risky to Undergo.
Safety concerns are natural when considering any medical procedure, and LASIK eye surgery is no exception. Many patients worry that LASIK carries risks of vision loss, persistent dry eye, or serious complications. These fears are largely unfounded:
- Proven Safety Record. LASIK is FDA-approved and has been performed successfully over 40 million times worldwide. It’s considered one of the safest elective surgical procedures available.
- Low Complication Rates. Serious complications from LASIK are exceedingly rare, with studies showing over 95% patient satisfaction and complication rates below 1%.
“I’ve considered having laser surgery done on my eyes for the past 15 years and finally decided to do it; I couldn’t be happier.” – Staci M.
3. LASIK Results Are Not Permanent.
Another LASIK myth that gets tossed around is that the results aren’t permanent and that your vision will deteriorate or you’ll need additional treatments shortly after your first.
This myth likely stems from the fact that you’ll still experience age-related changes; so here’s what you need to know:
- Natural Changes. LASIK eye surgery corrects your initial vision problems but does not prevent age-related conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close-up objects), or cataracts from developing later in life.
- Enhancements Procedures. If vision changes occur years after your initial LASIK eye surgery due to natural aging, a touch-up procedure may be recommended to maintain optimal vision.
The corneal reshaping achieved through LASIK lasts a lifetime and effectively corrects your refractive error at the time of your surgery.
4. LASIK Eye Surgery Is Only For The Nearsighted.
If you’re not nearsighted, you may have heard the LASIK myth that it’s only good for those who can’t see distant objects. The truth is that LASIK eye surgery has evolved significantly and with today’s technology it can accommodate a much broader range of prescriptions.
- Personalized Correction. Modern techniques like wavefront-guided LASIK, allow for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual vision needs. Whether you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or even astigmatism, LASIK eye surgery can treat it.
5. LASIK Myth – It’s Way Too Expensive.
The upfront cost of LASIK eye surgery often deters patients from enhancing their quality of life. While not quite a “LASIK myth,” as the high cost is present, there’s so much more to consider:
- A One-Time Investment With Long-Term Savings. The average cost of LASIK per eye is about $2,250. While this may seem high initially, it’s essential to view it as a one-time investment that allows you to recoup the ongoing costs of glasses and contacts.
- Flexible Financing. At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we offer $0 down, 0% interest financing for 2 years on all laser LASIK with approved financing. This allows you to spread out your payments, making it easier to fit it into your budget.
- Insurance and Tax Benefits. LASIK is considered a medical expense and is tax deductible. You may also get partial coverage from a health insurance plan, and a flexible spending account (FSA) can help you save pre-tax dollars.
Experience Clear Vision With Excel Laser Vision Institute
Don’t let these LASIK myths hold you back from receiving life-changing vision correction; you deserve to see your future clearly without the hindrance of glasses or contacts. Schedule a free consultation at Excel Laser Vision Institute and discover how LASIK eye surgery can transform your life.
