What Can You Expect from a LASIK Procedure?

Understanding the Realities and Myths of LASIK Surgery

LASIK is a popular eye surgery with people who have impaired vision. While non-surgical vision correction options like glasses and contacts are readily available to most that have troubled sight, the thought of not having to rely on these things is appealing to many.

If you are considering a LASIK procedure for your eyes, it is important to have reasonable expectations of what LASIK eye surgery can realistically do for you. The following paragraphs detail the myths and realities of LASIK eye surgery.

Myth #1: LASIK eye surgery will give me perfect vision.

Reality: The main thing you can expect from a LASIK procedure is improved vision. While some patients can achieve 20/20 vision from a LASIK procedure, this is not possible for all patients. For example, if your vision is really poor, you may still need to wear corrective lenses, but your vision will be much improved. An ophthalmologist with experience in LASIK eye surgery should be able to tell you what kind of vision improvement you can expect from a LASIK procedure.

Myth #2: LASIK eye surgery will fix my vision problems once and for all.

Reality: LASIK does not prevent presbyopia, a condition associated with aging that affects a person’s ability to focus at all distances. Individuals who undergo LASIK eye surgery, therefore, may still develop a need for reading glasses as they age. Be sure to talk to your LASIK eye doctor about what you can expect in the long term.

Myth #3: LASIK eye surgery will yield immediate results.

Reality: While some patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision, others may not notice a difference until a few days after surgery. Some patients may also experience vision fluctuation for up to six months. Results will vary for every person.

Myth #4: LASIK eye surgery is painful.

Reality: LASIK eye surgery is not a painful surgery; numbing drops are used to prevent patients from feeling any pain. Patients may experience slight pressure on their eyes during surgery, but, the process is generally quick and painless. (See What is LASIK Eye Surgery?)

Myth #5: LASIK eye surgery does not require a long recovery time.
 
Reality: While recovery time varies for each individual, patients are generally able to resume normal activities within a day or two of surgery. Don’t let this fool you, though. While your eyes may start feeling better after only a couple days, complete recovery may take up to 6 months. During these first 6 months after surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully so that you do not damage your eyes or prevent a full recovery. What occurs while you are healing from a LASIK surgery can affect your vision just as much as the LASIK procedure itself. (See How to Take Care of Your Eyes While you Are Recovering from LASIK)

Myth #6: LASIK eye surgery is not real surgery.

Reality: LASIK eye surgery is an actual surgery that should only be done by an experienced ophthalmologist. The surgery involves cutting the uppermost layer of your eyeball to create a flap. The flap is lifted during surgery (so that the laser can change the shape of the cornea) and then replaced after surgery to serve as a natural “bandage” to promote healing. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions both before and after surgery to increase your chances of a successful outcome.