This month’s post about the lasik myths is written by a guest blogger and is approved by Dr. Dave and Dr. Cheryl.

Close to 700,000 LASIK procedures are performed every year by qualified eye surgeons.  Even though there have been so many procedures, certain misconceptions about LASIK surgery still remain. We’re going to dispel them right now.

Myth #1 – LASIK is painful

This is one of the biggest myths about LASIK. It comes from a fear of lasers. After all, a laser being used to shape your cornea has got to hurt, right?  In reality, the entire affected area is numbed by special eye drops.  While the doctor is working on your eye you may feel some pressure, but the process is pain-free.

Myth #2 – LASIK is for presbyopia

LASIK is a procedure which has been used on people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but it is not completely effective for presbyopia. Presbyopia is caused by the hardening of the eye’s lens, not the shape of the eyes.  Fortunately, presbyopia can be treated with the use of reading glasses and other measures.

Myth #3 – LASIK can cause you to go blind

To date, there have been no cases of blindness which have been associated with LASIK surgery.  In fact, there is only a small chance of any major complications happening after the surgery, and none of them have involved blindness. LASIK only affects the top surface of the eye, not the deeper structures. LASIK is a safe procedure which has been done or at least twenty years.

Myth #4 – After LASIK, you will never need eyeglasses or contacts for the rest of your life

The LASIK procedure is effective for astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness and can remove the need for prescription lenses. However, it cannot prevent problems which happen over the normal passage of time, like presbyopia.  Other issues unrelated to the shape of the eye can also surface.

Myth #5 – Every LASIK surgery is the same

When planning to get the LASIK procedure done, it’s best to take a look at what you’re getting within the procedure.  There are some ‘no-frills’ doctors out there who offer only the surgery without the aftercare at a cheaper price.  Other doctors offer packages which are more pricey, but all inclusive.  This is your only pair of eyes, so it’s always suggested that you err on the side of caution. Studies show that when adequate pre-care and aftercare are performed, the results are much better.

Myth #6 – The LASIK machine does all the work, not the doctor, so it doesn’t matter which one you choose.

This is much like saying that a piano will sound the same regardless of whether a 3-year-old is playing it or a concert pianist is at the keys.  The surgeon makes the difference in the surgery. The doctor determines where to cut, how to cut, how to create the flap, and a lot of other factors which contribute to a positive outcome.  The doctor is also responsible for the pre-care and the aftercare of the patients. Do your research!

Myth #7 – Everyone can get LASIK

There is an in-depth screening process which most eye doctors go through to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for LASIK.  The patient must be over 18 and display signs of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.  The patient must be in good health and not have any special risk factors. To find out whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK, check with your qualified LASIK doctor.

If you are considering getting LASIK surgery, keep an open mind and be resistant to the many myths which have been floating around about the procedure.  Search for a doctor, ask questions, and make sure that you trust your gut.  Remember that not every doctor is perfect for every patient, so don’t be afraid to keep looking if you don’t like your options.

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Emily Hunter is a SEM Strategist and Outreach Supervisor at the Marketing Zen Group and works closely with Eyecare2020. She loves designing strategies with her team and is excited about spreading the Zen gospel. In her spare time, she cheers for Carolina Crown and Phantom Regiment, crafts her own sodas, and crushes tower defense games. Follow her on Twitter at @Emily2Zen