10 Myths about LASIK

10 Myths About LASIK: Debunked by Dr. Haverly

If you’ve been considering LASIK to improve your vision, you may have encountered some misconceptions that give you pause. At Laser Eye Surgery of Erie, we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s debunk the top 10 myths about LASIK and give you the facts, directly from Dr. Robert Haverly, an experienced ophthalmologist with over 30 years of expertise in vision correction.

1. LASIK is Painful
   One of the most common myths about LASIK is that it’s painful. In reality, LASIK is virtually painless thanks to numbing eye drops applied before the procedure. Patients typically feel only pressure during the surgery and experience  irritation, like a gritty sensation, for several hours afterward.
2. LASIK is Only for Younger People
   Another misconception is that LASIK is only for younger people. While it’s true that many patients are in their 20s or 30s, age isn’t the deciding factor. As long as your prescription is stable and your eyes are healthy, you may still be a candidate for LASIK, even if you’re over 40.
3. LASIK Can Cause Blindness
   Some people worry that LASIK might cause blindness, but this fear is unfounded. LASIK is one of the safest elective surgeries available, with a complication rate of less than 1%. Thanks to advancements like Wavefront Technology and Blade-Free Intralase, the procedure is safer and more precise than ever.
4. LASIK Results Are Temporary
   Another myth is that LASIK results are temporary. For most patients, the vision correction provided by LASIK is permanent. However, it’s important to remember that natural aging processes, like presbyopia or cataracts, can still affect your vision later in life.
5. LASIK Isn’t Affordable
   Many patients assume LASIK is too expensive, but it’s actually a worthwhile investment in your vision. Over time, the costs of glasses and contact lenses can add up, and many practices, including ours, offer flexible financing options to make LASIK more accessible.
6. Recovery from LASIK Takes a Long Time
   Another misconception is that the recovery process takes a long time. In fact, most patients return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. While you’ll need to avoid certain activities like swimming or heavy exercise temporarily, the overall downtime is minimal.
7. LASIK Isn’t Safe for Athletes or Active Lifestyles
   For those with active lifestyles, LASIK is often seen as unsuitable, but the opposite is true. LASIK is a fantastic option for athletes or anyone with an active routine. Once your eyes heal, you won’t have to deal with glasses fogging up or worrying about losing a contact lens during a workout.
8. LASIK Can’t Correct Astigmatism
   Some people also believe LASIK can’t correct astigmatism, but modern LASIK technology effectively treats astigmatism along with nearsightedness and farsightedness.
9. LASIK Isn’t as Effective as Glasses or Contacts
   There’s also the myth that LASIK isn’t as effective as glasses or contacts. In fact, LASIK often provides vision that’s as good as—or better than—what patients achieve with corrective lenses. Many patients end up with 20/20 vision or better after the procedure.
10. Everyone’s LASIK Results Are the Same
    Finally, there’s the myth that LASIK results are the same for everyone. Each patient’s eyes and needs are unique, which is why a consultation with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Haverly is crucial to determine the best approach for your vision correction.

If myths about LASIK have been holding you back, now is the time to get the facts. LASIK is a safe, effective, and life-changing procedure that can free you from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Haverly at Laser Eye Surgery of Erie today, and take the first step toward clearer vision. Your eyes deserve the best care, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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