Five Important Facts about LASIK Surgery

Are you considering laser eye surgery to improve your vision? It is a highly effective way to enhance the way you look at the world. Well, if so, you won’t want to miss these important facts about the LASIK procedure and what it can do for you.

Fact #1: LASIK Isn’t Right for Everyone

LASIK laser eye surgery hasn’t been approved for children or pregnant women. It’s not recommended for patients with severe dry eye syndrome, thin corneas, or herpes that affects the eyes. Likewise, any injury or infection of the eyes will need to be resolved before LASIK can be performed. If you’ve had refractive surgery before, or if you participate in contact sports, tell your surgeon during your pre-surgical consultation and exam.

Fact #2: You Should Avoid Bargain-Basement LASIK Surgery

Most of the LASIK horror stories involve cheap LASIK surgery. That’s because doctors offer huge discounts for a reason; maybe they have a bad reputation or very little experience. They draw patients in with low prices, but those patients might have to undergo revision surgeries to correct problems caused by the initial surgery. Expect to pay about $1,000 per eye for a safe, reliable LASIK procedure.

Fact #3: LASIK Can Cause Temporary Vision Defects

It’s common to experience blurred vision after your LASIK procedure. Some patients see haloes around light sources, especially at night. Others report glare and increased sensitivity to light. These effects typically diminish within a few months. If you suspect that you have an injury or infection after your surgery, call your vision center immediately.

Fact #4: Your LASIK Surgeon Should be Qualified

Your surgeon should be a licensed ophthalmologist who has been trained to perform laser eye surgery. Look for LASIK eye surgeons who have performed hundreds, or even thousands of LASIK procedures throughout their career. Surgeons who are considered experts in their field might cost a little more, but their tremendous skill makes the cost worthwhile.

Fact #5: LASIK is Safe and Effective

Overall, LASIK is a very effective way to improve your vision. The FDA has released data which states that 93 percent of all LASIK procedures result in 20/40 vision--or better! More than half of all LASIK patients are restored to perfect 20/20 vision. With this success rate, it’s no wonder so many people choose LASIK.