Myths About LASIK Debunked

The Internet is a vast source of information — and unfortunately, not all that information is true. Our team at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute likes to stay on top of what is being said about LASIK. We often come across boldly untrue claims about the safety and effectiveness of this refractive surgery that can diminish your dependence on prescription eyewear. In this blog, we want to set the record straight on some of the most frequent myths.   

Myth #1: LASIK Is Painful

When patients hear the term “laser surgery,” they understandably assume that it’s going to cause a lot of discomfort. In reality, our patients are usually surprised at how painless these procedures are. Even if you have a low pain tolerance, you can get through LASIK without problems. 

Prior to surgery, our team of professionals administers an anesthetic in eyedrop form to keep your eyes comfortable for the duration of the procedure. While you may notice some pressure on your eyes from the laser, it does not register as painful. Once you are back at home, you may notice some mild discomfort or irritation during your recovery, but this is easily managed with pain medication. 

Myth #2: LASIK Can Only Correct Nearsightedness

LASIK is a potential solution for all types of refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. If you rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve your vision, you can probably benefit from LASIK. Nearsightedness is the most common application of LASIK, but that is mainly because three times more people have this condition than farsightedness.

Myth #3: LASIK Is Not Safe

Our eye doctors devote their lives to improving the health, happiness, and vision of our patients. You can trust us when we say we would not perform a procedure that we consider risky or unsafe.

Although LASIK is an easier procedure to undergo (with a shorter recovery) than most forms of surgery, it is still technically a surgery. Any surgery carries some minor risks for complications or infection, so no eye doctor can 100% guarantee a complication-free procedure. Fortunately, our Ophthalmologists can rely on their experience and their impressive track record of achieving great results with safe outcomes for their patients.

In fact, laser vision correction has never been safer. As the technology advances, the precision of the lasers is that much better, which has dramatically improved the safety and effectiveness of these surgeries.

Book an Appointment

Now that you know the truth about LASIK directly from leading Ophthalmologists in the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas County, and Largo, FL, please call (727) 585-2200 to schedule a consultation.