1. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis.
(We agree that the acronym is so much easier to pronounce.)
2. LASIK eye surgery was first introduced in the 1990s, which is when it became FDA approved.
3. Millions of people around the world have had LASIK.
It’s also one of the most popular elective procedures you can have. There’s a reason why it has a 96% success rate with patients!
4. LASIK surgery boasts a low-level of risks and complications.
LASIK is also an ever-evolving procedure, meaning that the technology is always improving.
5. You cannot go blind from LASIK.
LASIK entails reshaping the cornea to correct for refractive errors. There is no way that you could go blind because of this.
6. You must be at least 18 years of age to be a good LASIK candidate.
7. If you’re pregnant or currently breastfeeding, you need to wait to get LASIK.
Pregnancy can cause your vision to change temporarily, because of your hormones. The best time to get LASIK is when you’re sure that you won’t be having any more kids.
Each pregnancy you have could lead to more vision changes, which is why you should wait.
8. A good LASIK candidate also needs vision that has remained stable for at least a year before LASIK.
If your eyes are still changing, you won’t have good results with LASIK.
9. LASIK is only performed as a bladeless procedure now.
When it was first FDA approved, it involved using blades to correct refractive errors.
10. Custom LASIK uses advanced Wavefront Technology.
Wavefront technology creates a custom 3D rendering of your eye. This allows your LASIK procedure to be tailored only for you.
11. The results of custom LASIK is like a pair of prescription eyeglasses that are custom made for your eyes.
LASIK may seem like a lot because of up-front costs, but you’ll spend less than you would with glasses or contacts.
In fact, LASIK can even start paying for itself after only a few years!
12. LASIK is a painless procedure that only takes about 15 minutes per eye to complete.
Although you are not put under during LASIK, you do receive numbing eye drops. These drops help ensure you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
For this reason, you are not allowed to drive yourself home after LASIK. Most LASIK patients are cleared to drive during their follow up appointment the next day.
13. No worries about losing a lot of time off work while you recover because you’ll likely be back within a day or two.
14. While LASIK corrects your vision at the time of surgery, you may need reading glasses later on.
15. LASIK cannot correct for vision problems due to aging after LASIK.
16. LASIK is an elective procedure, meaning your insurance won’t cover the cost.
There is no “medical need” usually associated with getting LASIK.
17. You can use your employer-benefit health savings account to pay for LASIK.
Other options to cover LASIK cost include a high-interest savings account or financing.
Loden Vision Centers offers financing options for patients that are considering LASIK.
Wondering if you could be a good LASIK candidate? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Loden Vision Centers in Nashville, TN today!