Contact lenses are much more dangerous than LASIK due to potential risk of eye infections, dryness and possible outcome of long-term use of contacts – loss of vision. New technology makes LASIK safe, and just like any other operation complications might happen, but with an experienced surgeon chances are no more that 1-2%. As age-related farsightedness or cataract comes later in life, people who have LASIK need to keep all their medical data. But for those who lost their medical records, we can make special measurements with a machine that gives you data, on the basis of which you know how the lens sits.
Many believe that Lasik is more dangerous than contact lenses.
It’s actually the opposite. Contacts are much more dangerous – they can cause eye infections and dryness, and sooner or later everyone who wears contacts will have these problems, which can potentially translate into a loss of vision. Lasik, on the other hand, is not just the safer option, but also the cheaper one. Contact lenses are a foreign body in the eye, which once again can attract bacteria.
“Lasik increases light diffusion or halo effect, reducing quality of vision.” Is this true?
Now that’s a myth. It was like that with the old lasers, where spherical aberration took place. With newer Lasik, the patient won’t experience this. The technology has been updating for 5 or 6 years now.
And after Lasik you might get dry eye syndrome? Is that a myth?
That’s true. All Lasik in some way causes dryness, but it’s temporary. If the candidate for Lasik has very dry eyes, the procedure cannot be done. When you plant new grass, it needs to be watered a few times a day until it takes root. After this happens, you can cut back to once a day. It’s the same thing here: you create a flap with the laser and cut the nerve endings, and until they grow back there will be some dryness. The younger the person, the faster the healing; a 20-year-old won’t have any dryness after a week or two. I was 40 years old, so I had to use drops for a couple of months.
Are there often complications after Lasik?
There are, just like with any operation, but with an experienced surgeon no more than 1-2%. And 99% of the complications are related to the flap, which can be done manually with a keratome device, or with a laser. Yes, it’s significantly more expensive, but complications are very rare and there’s less dryness. And there isn’t an age limit on Lasik.
After Lasik, sooner or later, comes age-related farsightedness and cataracts, and the operation needs to be done again. But this time it’s in difficult conditions…
It’s true. People who have Lasik need to keep all of their medical data. With cataracts, they do measurements that calculate how the lens sits. They are made with specific estimates, but if you’ve had Lasik before, it makes those calculations ineffective. For example, results might say that everything should be 20/20, but it turns out it’s +2, and the guy has become accustomed to getting along without glasses. So don’t forget that you’ve had Lasik and remember how your vision was up until then, because there’s no guarantee that your former doctor retained all that data (like we do here). Data should be kept for 7 years, but if the doctor retires, boards up the office, and no one knows where he is… in that case, we can make special measurements, and, by the grace of God, we have a machine that can scan the eye after cataract removal and give you data, on the basis of which you know how the lens sits. Clearly, this is reflected in our prices.
“Yoga treats myopia.” Indeed, one thing that I have not seen is people wearing glasses in yoga.
Yoga is very useful; it strengthens the body and soul. But it has no effect on vision.
“There are eye “gymnastics” that can prevent these problems.”
The muscles of the eye are the fastest in the body, and they don’t need exercises. The muscles exercise themselves; vision is a passive process. The ciliary body also doesn’t need to be inflated. The less you “exercise” it, the better. I would advise, rather, to develop the brain – puzzles, crosswords, and intelligent conversations.
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You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
The story of one unlighted Olympic star was worth the price of the Lasik operation.
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Are you considering LASIK but want to know more before taking the leap? At Benjamin Eye Institute, we combine over 30 years of expertise with state-of-the-art technology to help our patients achieve clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
The main difference between PRK and LASIK is in the procedure process. When performing PRK, there is no need to create a flap of the cornea, so this surgical technique may be a good option for those that have thin corneas and might not be a good candidate for LASIK. Also, PRK has a longer recovery process.
Imagine the freedom of crisp, clear vision without the burden of glasses or contacts. LASIK has the potential to transform your life, and at Benjamin Eye Institute, we have witnessed its remarkable impact on countless patients. Join us on a journey of discovery as we unveil the inspiring stories of individuals whose lives were changed by LASIK.
Choosing a LASIK surgeon is not an easy task. You only have one pair of eyes after all. At Benjamin Eye Institute, we pride ourselves on offering the state-of-the-art technology and exceptional surgical skills of Dr. Benjamin. Read more to see what makes our practice stand out!
For patients with moderate to high myopia, a new standard of precision, safety, and reversibility is now available right here in West Hollywood.
Author: Arthur Benjamin, MD
If you've ever been told that LASIK, PRK, or other forms of laser vision correction aren't suitable for you, you're not alone. Many individuals with high prescriptions, thin corneas, or chronic dry eyes have faced the same setback. But, it doesn't mean the end of the road for achieving clear vision without glasses or contacts.
