Myths About Laser Eye Surgery Cleared Up
When you no longer want to wear glasses or contact lenses, you might consider laser eye surgery. The prospect of surgery is often daunting, even when it is low risk. Hearing myths about surgery doesn't help, so now's a good time to explore them.
Being Too Short-Sighted
Many people assume that being too short-sighted acts as a barrier to laser eye surgery. For a small percentage, this is true. However, this type of surgery covers a large demographic of short-sighted people. When a surgeon assesses your suitability, they assess whether your corneal thickness is appropriate for the procedure. If it isn't, they'll reject you on that basis rather than your prescription. Rejection doesn't mean you're out of options, though. Your surgeon may suggest an alternative solution that frees you from glasses and contact lenses.
Lack of Evidence
As far as the history of surgery goes, laser eye surgery is a relatively new technique. However, surgeons have performed it for decades, which means it has a wealth of success stories to back up its use. Some people feel the technique is too new for medical professionals to evaluate long-lasting events. Despite this, adverse side effects are rare and the benefits outweigh the risks. If you're feeling uncertain, note your specific concerns and raise them with your surgeon during your consultation.
A Painful Procedure
It's normal to assume that a surgical procedure will feel painful. And when it comes to your eyes, you may struggle to think of how a local anaesthetic could work. Before starting the operation, your surgeon will apply drops that numb the area. The drops are effective, so at most, you'll experience some slight pressure that doesn't last long. Following the procedure, you might experience mild discomfort or an itching sensation. However, it's unusual to feel a lot of pain.
Results That Don't Last
If you're going to go for surgery, it's natural to expect that the results will last. Laser eye surgery involves creating permanent structural changes to your eye. As such, the results are permanent. Although there are no guarantees that you'll never need glasses again, this has nothing to do with the surgery's lack of efficacy. With or without surgery, your vision worsens due to ageing. If you pursue surgery, you can enjoy youthful vision for longer and benefit from the conveniences that come with it.
These myths aren't an exhaustive list. If you have concerns about the procedure, speak with a professional to clear them up.
For more information about eye surgery, talk with a doctor.