Is LASIK Worth It?

According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction. About 64% of them wear eyeglasses, and about 11% wear contact lenses, either exclusively or with glasses. For those who are sick and tired of being slaves to their glasses or contacts, they may try to search for an alternative, namely LASIK surgery. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is a type of refractive eye surgery. It can achieve 20/25 vision which is even better than 20/20 vision! 

Lasers correct eyesight by reshaping the tissue under the cornea. Usually, surgeons operating will flatten the eye and cut a flap to reshape the middle section of the cornea. This will change the way light is focused in the retina, ultimately making one’s vision clearer. According to multiple accounts by patients, the peak clarity can be achieved from a week to 6 months. According to Market Scope, around 10 million Americans elect to have LASIK surgery since it was approved by the FDA in 1999. Annually, there are about 700,000 LASIK surgeries that are performed. It is safe to say that LASIK surgery is one of the most popular elective surgeries in the United States and the satisfaction rating is very high. The reliance of glasses pushes people to get the surgery because in the long run, more money is saved comparatively. The procedure can cost around $4500 or more. However, coupons and discounts can be found to lower the cost. Since LASIK is considered elective, most insurances will not cover the cost of the surgery. 

For the surgery itself, it can last up to fifteen minutes or so depending on the complexity of the case. It all in all is a relatively fast surgery with a minimal recovery time of a week or so that is recommended by surgeons performing the surgery. There are known risks like any surgery. Some patients report that complications like dry eyes, starbursts and cornea damage can happen time to time and do not really go away. There are also long-term complications like eye infections, vision loss, chronic pain, and detached retinas that could occur. Eventually with older age, people have to wear glasses for reading and driving but this surgery can guarantee normal vision correctness for other activities for most of your life if done early.

When thinking about undergoing this surgery, you should be comfortable with and trust the surgeon performing and the practice he or she is a part of. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, there are 5 key qualifications to look for in a surgeon. The first is that the surgeon should be experienced, preferably with at least 10,000 successful surgeries performed. Second, you should make sure the surgeon meets industry standards with their LASIK screening process. Third, you should be comfortable with your surgeon and they should be eager to give informed answers to any questions. Fourth, you should not feel pressured and the consultation should not feel like a sales pitch. Fifth, you should be cautious of surgeons who over-promise results. LASIK is intended to improve vision, not necessarily perfect it.

Obviously there are pros and cons when undergoing any type of elective or cosmetic surgery. Some pros of LASIK are that it is quick and relatively safe, results can come quickly, you can live without glasses and contacts for the most part, and your vision can be greatly improved. Recovery time and side effects are very minimal and the surgery is not over the top expensive. Some cons are that not everyone is eligible (its is usually recommended for those under 40 to have the surgery), some of the disruptive risks are possible (like dry eyes, glares, and halos), the flaps made during the surgery can be injured, and there is a slight change that LASIK will be needed again. 

When it comes to undergoing LASIK surgery, it is a purely subjective decision of the patient. There are no right answers. You should weigh your risks, anxiety, pros and cons, ask many questions and have realistic expectations for the outcome. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions.

References:

https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/eye-health/pros-and-cons-of-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20180727/lasik-know-the-rewards-and-the-risks

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751