Myth 1: “LASIK Surgery is Painful.”

One of the first fears people express about LASIK is, “Will it hurt?” The idea of having a laser near your eye sounds nerve-wracking. Some imagine the surgery will be excruciating, but the truth is far from it.

⇒The Reality:

LASIK is almost painless. Here’s why:

• Numbing Drops are applied to your eyes before the procedure. These ensure you feel little to no pain.
• During the procedure, you might feel a little pressure when the eye surgeon creates a small flap in your cornea—that’s it. Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.
• For instance, a previous patient once nervously asked, “Will the laser burn my eye?” After her procedure, she laughed and said, “I only felt a bit of pressure, and it was over so quickly!”
   

After lasik surgery, you might notice mild irritation or watering in your eyes, similar to having an eyelash stuck. This sensation usually disappears within a few hours. To help, your doctor will provide lubricating eye drops and protective shields.

⇒Bottom Line:

Fear of pain shouldn’t stop you from considering LASIK. If you can handle a quick eye puff test during an exam, LASIK discomfort is even milder. For most, the entire surgery is surprisingly simple and quick.

Myth 2: “LASIK Isn’t Safe.”

Some worry, “What if something goes wrong?” Since the idea of lasers and surgery on such a delicate area feels risky, safety is a common concern.

⇒The Reality:

LASIK is one of the safest elective surgeries available. It has been performed for over 20 years with millions of success stories worldwide. Here are a few compelling facts:

• High Success Rate: Studies show 99% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, and over 90% achieve 20/20!
• FDA Approval: LASIK is an FDA-approved procedure, with safety checks built into every step.
• Advanced Technology: Modern lasers are equipped with trackers, ensuring they move with your eye and never treat the wrong area. Even if you blink or move slightly, the laser adjusts automatically.

Doctors also screen each patient thoroughly to determine if they’re an ideal candidate for LASIK. If your eyes have certain conditions, your doctor will discuss alternative options to reduce risk.

⇒Bottom Line:

With an experienced surgeon and today’s technology, LASIK is extremely precise and safe. Complications are incredibly rare, with severe issues occurring in less than 1% of cases.

Myth 3: “LASIK Can Make You Go Blind.”

This myth is one of the most exaggerated fears about LASIK. People often ask, “What if I lose my sight entirely?” While this fear is understandable, it’s not based on reality.

⇒The Reality:

No confirmed case of complete blindness caused by LASIK exists. The procedure is specifically designed to avoid major risks.

• Serious complications, like infections or problems with the cornea, happen in less than 1% of cases. Even if they occur, modern medical care can treat them before they cause lasting harm.
• Many stories about blindness are either miscommunications or myths spread online. For example, someone might assume LASIK caused vision loss when it was actually an unrelated condition.

⇒Bottom Line:

LASIK is known for its safety. If you’re concerned, seek a skilled surgeon who follows proper follow-up care protocols. Rest assured, the idea of “going blind” from LASIK is a myth, not a reality.

Myth 4: “LASIK is Only for Younger People.”

Are you in your 40s or 50s and think you’ve missed the “LASIK window”? Don’t worry; this is another common misunderstanding.

⇒The Reality:

LASIK isn’t limited to younger adults. While the minimum age is generally 18 (to ensure your vision has stabilized), there’s no strict upper age limit. What matters most are the health of your eyes and the stability of your prescription.

• People in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s often undergo LASIK successfully. A key exception might be if you’ve developed age-related conditions, like cataracts, in which case LASIK isn’t recommended.
• Some older adults opt for something called monovision LASIK, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near tasks, addressing reading needs.

⇒Bottom Line:

Age alone isn’t a barrier. The best way to know if LASIK works for you is to consult your eye doctor, who will evaluate your overall eye health.

Myth 5: “LASIK Results Don’t Last.”

Another myth some believe is that LASIK results “wear off” after a while. This can lead to hesitation, with people wondering if it’s really worth it.

⇒The Reality:

LASIK is a permanent procedure. Once your cornea is reshaped, it stays that way. However, normal aging (like needing reading glasses later in life) or rare cases of slight vision regression might occur.

• For example, if your prescription changes slightly when you’re older, it’s often unrelated to LASIK and may be corrected with a minor enhancement procedure.
  
  

⇒Bottom Line:

For most people, LASIK provides long-term freedom from glasses or contacts. The idea that the effects wear off is untrue.

Myth 6: “LASIK Recovery Takes Forever.”

Some imagine LASIK recovery is long and exhausting, requiring weeks of downtime. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

⇒The Reality:

LASIK recovery is surprisingly quick!

• Many patients notice clearer vision within hours of surgery and return to everyday activities, like work, within 1-2 days.
• Mild dryness or sensitivity may occur temporarily, but these effects resolve as your eyes heal.

With simple precautions (like not rubbing your eyes and avoiding swimming), most people adjust to life post-LASIK immediately.

⇒Bottom Line:

Recovery is fast and easy. There’s no extended downtime, just a few minor lifestyle adjustments for a week or two.

Myth 7: “LASIK is Too Expensive.”

The up-front cost of LASIK might seem daunting at first glance, but its value over time is often overlooked.

⇒The Reality:

LASIK is more affordable than you think. Many clinics offer financing plans, allowing patients to pay in smaller monthly installments.

Additionally, the one-time cost of LASIK can actually save you money in the long run compared to years of buying glasses or contact lenses.

Imagine spending ₹10,000 per year on contacts for a decade—that’s ₹1,00,000. LASIK, by comparison, is a one-time investment for a lifetime of convenience.

⇒Bottom Line:

LASIK is an investment in your vision. Explore payment plans or discuss options with your clinic to see if it fits within your budget.