Eye infections are a burdensome complication that no one enjoys. For this reason, many people are hesitant about undergoing surgery. Believe it or not, choosing corrective vision lenses over LASIK eye surgery can actually put you at a greater risk for infection. A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology found that the cumulative annual risk of infection with contact lenses was 180 times greater than the risk of infection following LASIK. In fact, only about 0.05% of LASIK patients will experience infection after surgery.
While patients are often under the assumption that contact lenses are safer than LASIK, studies suggest daily wear of contacts can lead to further complications than laser vision correction surgery. In the United States in 2007, there were 55 corneal transplants for infections related to contact lens wear, in comparison to only 2 for infections following LASIK, according to the Cornea Clinical Committee of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
Many people opt for contacts as an alternative to glasses or surgery, but the burden of ensuring sterile insert, removal and storage, plus the added risk of infection can make them an undesirable long-term solution. See if you’re a candidate for a low risk LASIK procedure and experience a life without contact lenses.
As with any popular procedures, the lines of myth and truth are often blurred. While we encourage every potential LASIK patient to seek answers through a consultation with a surgeon, we’ve dispelled the common misconceptions that may be weighing on your mind:
Myth #1: LASIK comes with high risks of complications and side effects, such as night glare and dry eyes.
Truth: Clinical studies of LASIK have documented that the risk of having a serious complication are extremely low. As with any surgery, there are some associated risks that Dr. Kugler or Dr. Schlichtemeier will inform you of before your procedure. If a complication does arise, it can most often be treated if diagnosed early on in your follow-up visit with your physician. While glare and dry eyes can be common side effects immediately following surgery, these typically subside within the first few months. With proper pre-operative testing, surgeons have a better opportunity to identify patients that may have increased risk of long-term complications. Patients are often under the impression that contact lenses are safer than LASIK surgery, but recent studies suggest the opposite. On the contrary, patients wearing contact lenses are 180 times more likely to have a serious infection than patients who have LASIK, and are more likely to require a corneal transplant later in life. Click here to read more about safety regarding laser eye surgery.
Myth #2: I am “too old” to have LASIK
Truth: Believe it or not, LASIK has been successfully performed in people in their late 90’s. As a relatively low risk surgery, LASIK can be performed at any stage of life and your numerical age alone will never prevent you from being a candidate for LASIK. However, it is true that if you are experiencing age-related eye problems or approaching the age of cataracts, other surgical solutions may be a better long-term fit, such as a lens implant or cataract surgery. It is important to remember that you are never too old for vision correction; it is just a matter of finding the right fit for your particular condition. By choosing a surgeon that is capable of performing a full-range of procedures, you will be able to assess and choose from a variety of options ideal for your eyes.
Myth #3: All the outcomes of LASIK are the same, so the cheapest surgery is no different from an expensive one.
Truth: When considering something as crucial as your vision, it is advisable to not compromise the health of your eyes by settling for a discount center. In the long-term, seeking a recommended and reputable surgeon is worth the investment. Cheaper clinics may not have the resources to keep up with the latest technology, patient screening, and follow-up care needed to ensure a successful procedure. “You get what you pay for” is one saying that can be aptly applied to LASIK surgery. Patients are encouraged to thoroughly compare and research. Learn more about how to choose your LASIK surgeon.
Myth #4: LASIK will only last until I am 40, then I will need glasses again.
Truth: While the effects of laser vision correction last a lifetime in most patients, LASIK does not prevent the onset of age-related eye conditions. As we enter our 40’s, everyone develops a condition called “presbyopia” [http://www.lasikomaha.com/near-vision/overview/]. Regardless of whether someone has had LASIK, they will need reading glasses for particular circumstances. Presbyopia is not worsened by LASIK and the effect of distance vision remains the same as someone enters their 40’s. There are some surgical procedures, such as CK that can reduce the need for reading glasses after LASIK.
Myth #5: LASIK is so new that no one knows the long-term side effects.
Truth: Successful LASIK eye surgeries have been performed for more than 20 years. Since the early 1980s, over 16 million people have had LASIK worldwide, allowing for ongoing advancement of technology and procedural development. Countless studies of long-term safety and stability have been well documented. A study published in Ocular Surgery News followed 800 eyes for 10 years. According to this article, effectiveness, safety and predictability were maintained throughout the study in eyes requiring low, intermediate and high levels of correction. (Source: Ocular Surgery News; January 1, 2007 p.36) Click here to learn more about the history of refractive surgery.
Myth # 6: Myth: Anyone who wants to have LASIK is a candidate.
Truth: To ensure safety and high rate of success following LASIK surgery, patients are stringently evaluated to determine if they are ideal for the procedure. While not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, there are other vision correction options available. The best way to determine if you are appropriate candidate for LASIK or another treatment is to meet with Dr. Kugler or Dr. Schlichtemeier for an initial screening. Screenings are important for preventing complications and addressing questions and concerns.
Myth #7: I have astigmatism so I can’t have LASIK
Truth: Although this misconception was true when LASIK technology was in its infancy, it is no longer the case. Modern laser systems can effectively treat astigmatism with excellent results. At LaserVision Correction in Omaha, we specialize in astigmatism and use Vector Analyisis to ensure that astigmatism treatment is effective. Dr. Kugler is one of the few surgeons in the world who is expertly using vector analysis for appropriate correction of astigmatism. Click here to learn more about Astigmatism Analysis and treatment with LASIK.
Myth #8: LASIK is still being developed, and every year there is something new. Patients should wait until doctors find the best technology.
Truth: A recent study of over 2,000 patients confirmed that more than 95 percent of LASIK patients are satisfied with their results. Technology and procedures will continue to advance to refine vision correction results, but the current technology is so good that waiting for the newest developments are not necessary for most patients.
Myth #9: All the lasers used for LASIK are basically the same
Truth: There are a variety of lasers that can be used for LASIK and they are not all equal. While some clinics use dated technology from the 1990s, others are focused on implementing the newest tools for optimal laser vision correction results, such as the Allegretto Wavelight EyeQ laser system. With impressive speed, precision and accuracy, this state-of-the-art technology offers eye tracking and wavefront mapping for a custom and more effective procedure. To learn more about how laser technologies can make a difference in your procedures, click here.
Myth #10: It does not matter which doctor performs the procedure because the laser does the work.
Truth: Just as technology matters, so does the surgeon’s application of skill and level of expertise. Laser systems are sophisticated and must be properly programmed to deliver customized treatment to each individual eye. An eye surgeon’s level of experience and care before, during and after surgery are critical to the success of a procedure. As a patient, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident in the surgeon performing your procedure. To learn more about how to choose a surgeon that is ideal for your needs, read more here.
The decision to explore the life changing benefits of LASIK eye surgery can often lead to an exacting weighing of pros and cons. One common misconception that is often relegated to the wrong list is the myth that LASIK effects eventually “wear off.” On the contrary, most patients enjoy the benefits of laser vision correction for a lifetime. In fact, only a small percentage of people (3-5% in our practice) require an enhancement surgery at some point after LASIK. Knowing this, it is easy for many patients to justify investing in a one-time surgery that will most likely change their lives forever.
A study published in the Journal of Refractive Surgery followed patients over 12 years after having laser vision correction and found that “Almost 90% of eyes recalled for 12-year follow-up maintained or improved best corrected visual acuity.” ( Source: Journal Of Refractive Surgery 2006; 22:871-877, Ocular Surgery News; January1, 2007 p.34)
Of course, LASIK does not magically stop the aging process. As the eye matures, reading glasses are needed after age 40, as they are in everyone regardless of whether they have had surgery. However, many only rely on eyeglasses for particular circumstances, such as reading fine print. In addition, if cataracts develop later on, it is important to consult with a surgeon that specializes in cataract surgery in LASIK patients.
Once you have LASIK surgery and attend your post-operative follow-up, you should be fine to resume your normal life without additional LASIK surgeries. Regardless, it is important to see your eye doctor at least once a year to ensure your eye remains healthy.
LASIK does not protect the eye from UV damage or age-related eye conditions, but it does eliminate the burden of wearing contacts or eyeglasses for day-to-day tasks. While LASIK is not a preventative surgery, it often changes a patient’s life forever with an effective one-time surgery.
