| With so much available information -- and | | | | Truth: Laser vision correction technology was first |
| misinformation -- about LASIK laser vision correction, | | | | developed in the 1980s and became widely available in |
| no wonder people are confused. The many myths | | | | the United States in the mid-1990s. In fact, the first |
| about LASIK create more confusion. Is LASIK safe? Is | | | | LASIK procedure was performed in the United States |
| it proven? Should you be concerned? Let’s look at | | | | in 1987. Twenty-two years later, there have been no |
| some common myths and get the facts. | | | | reports of any long-term ill effects from LASIK. |
| Myth: LASIK is not “real” surgery. | | | | Myth: It doesn’t matter who performs your |
| Truth: LASIK most definitely is surgery. Patients | | | | procedure, since the laser does all the work. |
| undergoing LASIK must view the procedure with the | | | | Truth: This is perhaps one of the most dangerous |
| same respect as for any surgery to ensure the best | | | | LASIK myths. While the laser is a truly innovative tool |
| outcome. While LASIK is not dangerous when | | | | essential to the LASIK procedure, it is only a tool. The |
| performed by a qualified eye surgeon on a good | | | | surgeon’s degree of skill is absolutely essential to |
| candidate, some risks do exist, as they do for all | | | | properly creating and manipulating the corneal flap |
| surgeries. | | | | during this delicate procedure and in using the laser. |
| Myth: LASIK complications are common after laser | | | | The best LASIK surgeons screen potential patients |
| vision correction. | | | | rigorously to avoid performing the surgery on a poor |
| Truth: Many clinical studies and reports show that the | | | | candidate. Post-operative patient care is also central to |
| risks for LASIK are very low. Many complications can | | | | a good outcome. |
| be treated and resolved in the early stages. Simple | | | | Myth: After LASIK, you won’t need glasses or |
| side effects, such as temporary dry eye or night glare, | | | | contact lenses ever again. |
| resolve without further treatment after several weeks | | | | Truth: Each patient is an individual and experiences |
| or months. Expert ophthalmologists who perform | | | | unique results from LASIK. Some achieve 20/20 vision |
| extensive diagnostic testing prior to LASIK will rule out | | | | and end their dependence on corrective eyewear. |
| high-risk individuals who are more prone to developing | | | | Others find reading glasses are still needed. Additionally, |
| long-term complications. | | | | as we age, naturally occurring conditions such as |
| Myth: LASIK is so new that long-term complications | | | | presbyopia can impair vision, even for those who have |
| are not really known. | | | | previously undergone LASIK vision correction. |