Common LASIK Myths

Myth: LASIK can make you go blind.
Fact: There haven’t been any cases of blindness as a direct result of LASIK has ever been reported in Singapore and United States. The actual risk of going blind from LASIK is said to be comparable to the risk of blindness from wearing glasses or contact lenses!

Myth: The more procedures a LASIK surgeon has done, the better chance of good outcomes.
Fact: Experience is important. However, once a physician has passed the learning curve (400-500 cases), what becomes of greater importance than the quantity of surgery performed is the quality of surgery. In other words, individualized, personal care by a meticulous surgeon is extremely important. Laser Vision Correction is surgery and should be looked upon as such just as you would for any other surgery.

Myth: All laser LASIK (Intralase) is the safest procedure.
Fact: Every LASIK procedure involves creating a flap in the surface of the cornea. Intralase procedures utilize a laser to create that flap instead of the microkeratome blade used in regular LASIK. Intralase is proven to have a very good safety record and good outcomes; however, Intralase carries its own risks, such as light sensitivity, that, though infrequent, does not make Intralase safer or better. Your LASIK surgeon and you will assess your needs and determine the procedure that is right for you during the initial consultation.

Myth: Laser Vision Correction is new and there is not sufficient experience in this field.
Fact: Vision correction with the use of laser is over 15 years old. There are millions of people who have had it done with a very small number of serious complications. The founding principles on which Laser Vision Correction was built are nearly 50 years old.

Myth: Laser Vision Correction is not really surgery.
Fact: Laser Vision Correction is one of the most delicate surgeries known. Surgical skills as well as excellent pre & postoperative care enhance your chance for an excellent result.

Myth: Lasik is superior to PRK (LASEK).
Fact: Lasik may be more convenient than PRK, but PRK has some significant safety benefits.

Myth: All lasers are the same.
Fact: Each laser used in Laser Vision Correction has its own strengths. Certain lasers, as well as ancillary equipment, however, offer significant advantages over others. This is one of reasons costs of treatment can vary.

Myth: Once our eyes are treated, they can never change.
Fact: Once your eyes are treated they can still change although they rarely revert back to where they started. We generally look for a stable glasses prescription prior to performing laser to ensure there will be little change in the years to come. Enhancement may be easier with PRK 2-3 years after surgery than Lasik if it may be needed. (See our comparison chart)

Myth: All lasers perform PRK with the same degree of safety.
Fact: Only flying spot lasers (the LADARVision 4000) make the chance of a bad result from surface irregularities (called central islands) unlikely (actually never reported on the LADARVision 4000!)

Myth: Laser Vision Correction removes the need for reading glasses.
Fact: A "mono-vision" treatment can reduce the dependency on reading glasses after the age of 40 if they are the appropriate candidates. However, most patients after this age use reading glasses.

Myth: If the FDA approves, it must be OK.
Fact: While the FDA approves a certain range of Laser Vision Correction, the fact is for some patients keeping in those guidelines can be deleterious. A good surgeon knows the limit of what can be done safely.

Myth: All patients have glare and haloes post operatively.
Fact: With today's laser and techniques, significant haloes and glare are uncommon if proper procedures are adhered to. Flying spot lasers such as the LADARVision 4000 offer more options to reduce these complications.

Myth: Dry eyes are temporary after Laser Vision Correction.
Fact: With Lasik, a drier eye is common after surgery and usually permanent, although mild for most patients. PRK however causes significant less dryness. (See our comparison chart).