Pros and Cons of LASIK Eye Surgery

// September 12, 2024

LASIK is a life-changing surgery for many people who have relied on glasses or contacts for years. This procedure has restored vision for people across the United States and worldwide. As years have gone by and technology has advanced, more innovations have offered better results and even reduced potential complications from the surgery.

If you wear glasses or contacts, you could be a candidate for LASIK surgery. However, like many other types of surgery, LASIK eye surgery has its pros and cons that should be considered. Before moving forward with this type of surgery, it’s critical to understand all the details and potential risks, along with consulting your eye doctor. Let’s talk more about LASIK and what it can offer for your eyesight.

What is LASIK surgery

The goal of LASIK surgery is to fix vision problems. It achieves this by changing the shape of the cornea in the eye. When the shape of the cornea is changed, it improves how light hits the retina, thereby improving vision.

Though LASIK is a relatively procedure, the operation has a few stages. First, a laser creates a thin flap on the cornea’s surface. The surgeon lifts the flap, allowing them to access the inner part of the eye. Then, a laser is used to reshape the cornea. After reshaping the cornea with the laser, the surgeon places the flap back on your eye. The flap usually heals by itself without stitches. This quick procedure is usually done in less than 30 minutes, and you can go home afterward.

The Pros of LASIK

For those who have suffered from poor eyesight for many years, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure. LASIK allows patients to experience life without the burden of glasses or contacts. LASIK also offers the following benefits:

Improves eyesight very quickly

Because of the nature of LASIK, patients can see results almost immediately. Some patients experience better eyesight within hours, while others may take a day or two during the healing process.

LASIK is quick and safe

LASIK is a very quick medical procedure. Patients spend an average of an hour or two at the surgical center on the day of surgery. Before the surgery, an exam is completed, and most of the time is spent preparing the patient for surgery. The surgery is completed quickly, and the patient is moved to recovery before being cleared to go home.

LASIK is affordable

The long-term cost of using glasses and contacts can be high. Though LASIK is a more significant upfront investment, patients usually save money in the long run. In addition, eye centers usually offer financing options or accept HSA/Flex spending payments.

The Cons of LASIK

Though LASIK is an incredible, life-changing surgery, there are some potential drawbacks. As with any other surgery, it is essential to be informed of the possible cons to make the best decision.

Some risks are possible

Any surgical intervention can bring about potential problems or side effects, and LASIK is no different. Though the risk of complications is very low, you could experience side effects such as dryness, glare, halos, and even starbursts when looking at lights at nighttime. Other complications can include infection, flap complications, and corneal ectasia.

LASIK is not for everyone

Unfortunately, not everyone will be a candidate for LASIK. Patients with thin corneas, high prescriptions, dry eyes, and other issues are usually not good candidates for this type of eye surgery. Even if you are not a good candidate for LASIK, there may be other eye surgeries you can have to correct your vision.

You may need LASIK more than once

Some patients experience worsening eyesight throughout their life, a condition known as myopic regression. Though patients with myopic regression may not be candidates for LASIK, some patients experience sight regression after receiving surgery. If you experience this as a patient, you may need to have LASIK again for further eye correction. Excel Eye Center offers free lifetime warranties or touch ups upon certain conditions being met.

LASIK at Excel Eye Center

If you’re ready to experience life without glasses or contacts, it may be time to explore your options for LASIK surgery. We’re proud to offer this long-term corrective eye surgery and many others at Excel Eye Center. Our talented eye doctors have been performing LASIK in Utah since 1997. In each procedure, we use the latest technology and offer patients the most advanced laser approved by the FDA. Our caring LASIK doctors are waiting to meet you and address your eye care needs. Contact us to request an appointment today!