5 more common and unsubstantiated myths about Laser eye surgery busted!

14 Dec 2016

When it comes to laser eye surgery, of which LASIK is the most common form, there are always lots of rumours and untruths circling which are often mistaken for fact. Some of them are so wrong that we are often baffled as to how people come up with them in the first place but it happens so here are 5 of the most common myths de-bunked:
 
1. It’s not permanent so I might need to have the procedure again in the future
 
Again, we like to revert to science over rumour in addressing this concern that crops up quite frequently. The fact is that the laser eye surgery procedure changes the composition of your eye and as a result, makes a permanent change to your vision.
 
However, the nature of ageing is such that LASIK surgery cannot prevent other eyesight issues from occurring as you get older and as a result, it won’t prevent the onset of presbyopia, an age-related focus dysfunction that affects our ability to see objects that are close to our eyes, such as newspapers, kindles etc.
 
2. It’s much safer to keep wearing contact lenses rather than risk laser surgery
 
Many people end up wearing contact lenses for many years rather than opting for a life free of any sort of lenses, simply because they believe that contact lenses are 100% safe, and laser surgery is not.
 
The fact is that many of the world’s leading physicians agree that wearing contact lenses every single day over a period of years actually poses more risk to the eyes, than laser surgery does.
 
For example, contact lenses can get lost behind the eye, causing complications; leaving them while sleeping can lead to infection, and failing to follow the correct instructions when using them (not cleaning them correctly, not using the right cleaning fluids etc, can cause to eye infections and other conditions.
 
So, if you are of those who believes that wearing contact lenses is completely risk-free, the fact is that the opposite is case and laser eye surgery is the proven safer option!
 
3. I might go blind if something goes wrong
 
Our eyes mean everything to us and the fear of losing your eyesight is therefore very understandable. However, that doesn’t mean it’s correct! Thankfully, in the case of laser eye surgery the facts speak for themselves and based on over 40 million procedures undertaken around the world to date, the facts show that there has not be able people who have suffered blindness from laser eye surgery.
 
4. What if I end up with worse vision as a result of LASIK surgery?
 
Similar to myth number 1 above, which addresses the myth that laser eye surgery could result in blindness, the chances of your eyesight being worse after your surgery than it was beforehand are slim to none.
 
Again our job is to separate facts from fiction and according to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, over 96% of people who undergo laser eye surgery achieve a vision of 20:20 or better.
 
So, let’s just say, if you’re worried that you might end up with worse vision as a result of undergoing LASIK eye surgery, all available evidence suggests which points to the contrary, should be sufficient to allay your fears.
 
5. Some people experience pain and other complications after LASIK eye surgery
 
20 years ago, back when laser eye surgery was still a very new procedure and one which was still in development, the fear of post operative pain and complications was probably a genuine concern for many pioneering patients.
 
However, laser eye surgery is now incredibly sophisticated and involves the very latest and up to date scientific technology that has ever been created. Because of this, the vast majority of patients experience little to no side effects after surgery. In the case of the very small minority of patients who do experience some side effects, these tend to be very mild and very short-term and as a result can be very easily treated.
 


 
If you are interested in finding out whether you are eligible for laser eye surgery, contact Optilase Clinic today for a free consultation. You’ll get to meet with one of our Laser Optometrists, ask any questions you may have about laser eye surgery, and find out whether you are a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery.

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Thelma Scanlon
September 23, 2023

Great experience and great after care. Had 2020 vision within 24 hours with very minimal pain.

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Amanda Mulligan
September 23, 2023

Amazing experience , amazing staff, amazing eye sight . I had lens replacement 3 months ago and would highly recommend.

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Mr. O’Flynn Education
September 23, 2023

I got my laser eye surgery done on April 20th and couldn’t be happier. I had one hard day of recovery, followed by dry eyes for a small while. Sleeping with the protective goggles is the hardest part, but you’re helped throughout the process by experts. I couldn’t recommend this enough and Optilase were a dream to deal with. Even if you can’t afford the treatment now, you can always talk about a payment plan and get the vision you’ve always wanted.

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Holli Burgon
September 18, 2023

I could not rate high enough, consultation was extremely informative and the staff were amazing, very friendly and answered all my questions with ease.

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Roisin Byrne
September 15, 2023

I had a wonderful experience in Optilase in Ely Place, the staff were so kind and helpful and made me feel really comfortable. Would absolutely recommend

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PAULA Moriarty
September 7, 2023

Couldn't rate Optilase high enough. I had Lens Replacement Surgery. My experience from the first phone call to the procedure itself and the aftercare was fantastic. All of the staff from the call centre to the staff in Carrickmines and the theatre were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend .

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JeriesHamaty
September 5, 2023

I had my PRK done on both eyes , and im happy with the result. The post operation pain was extreme but it settled down after 4 days. Now i feel great after 2 weeks post operation no complications what so ever , other than blurry vision now and then, but its improving every day

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Rebekah Lowry
August 25, 2023

Got LASIK in Ely Place only yesterday and officially had 20/20 vision just 24 hours later! Cannot recommend Optilase enough from my initial consultation with Aisling in Athlone to my trips to Carrickmines and Ely Place. The staff really look after you from the moment you walk in the door and make you feel so at ease from start to finish - 10 out of 10 experience!

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Kate Oto
August 21, 2023

I highly recommend this place, reliable information and care, full professionalism.

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Lisa Simcox
August 21, 2023

LASIK was so easy and pain free. It’s one week post surgery and my eye sight is wonderful. I couldn’t recommend enough.

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Declan Wynne
August 21, 2023

I no longer need glasses,absolutely life changing.Great aftercare,lovely staff.

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Poliana Oliveira
August 9, 2023

I have been wearing glasses for over 20 years. I always hated wearing contact lenses and I got to a time in my life that I needed a change. A friend recommended optilase, I went for the free consultation and the person that did all the exams was really nice and I felt safe and confident enough to go ahead, I was recommended the PRK. I Put on a piece of paper how much I spent and would still spend on glasses for the next 10 years, and the surgery was for sure cheaper than that. My prescription was very high, both eyes, myopia and astigmatism Optilase provided all the information I needed, in clear manner. And they always made clear that there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my own choice to go for the surgery. The day of the surgery I was a bit nervous, who wouldn't? But then, from the reception to the surgeon, they were all so nice and welcoming. Hernandez performed the procedure, lovely surgeon, again all information was provided the way it should. I was instructed in what I should and should not do. The actual procedure took less than 15min, I felt nothing, no discomfort or anything. The whole process is very well done by the team, if I remember well around 3 people supporting the surgery plus one other girl providing pos surgery instructions. Right after the procedure I could already see much better than before without glasses! I couldn't believe it, I cried, thanked everyone and left the clinic knowing that I made the best choice. The recovery for PRK is a bit longer, I stayed for 2 full days no phones, or any screens. In the dark. If you have a little one, I would recommend to have someone minding them, as you are very limited in what you can do for the day of and day after surgery. It is hard to open the eyes, the second day after surgery was the toughest, I thought all went wrong as the vision got worst, but again I was advised it could happen. Note that this was my experience and could be different for other people. The 3rd day I felt nothing and could see much better already. Light sensitivity was very high, and still, 6 days after surgery, but nothing that a sun glasses would not help. My vision still blurred, but I need no glasses to see, my eyes feel dry sometimes, but the eye drops provided helps with it and and am very happy with the results already, even knowing it takes a bit longer to fully recover the vision. I'm back to work (screen at 200% to make sure I dont force my eyes too much) and I have had no headaches or anything, which I would have all the time looking at screens for most of my day. I cannot recommend Optilase enough, they are amazing! If you want to do something for your self and want a place you can trust, go for it, choose Optilase. Thanks to the whole team for one of the best things I did for my self!

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