Through the years, Lasik surgery has become a popular alternative to glasses or contact lenses. The operation usually has a 90% success rate. Its popularity comes from the fact that it’s mostly painless, and doesn’t involve bandages or stitches post-surgery. But is it worth it?
Experts have weighed in on the pros and cons of Lasik surgery, and they’ve come up with a list of pros and cons for people who are considering undergoing the procedure. Want to know whether the benefits outweigh the risks? Check out a few of them and see for yourself:
Benefits
1. Visual appearance
Because Lasik surgery doesn’t necessarily require any incisions to be made on the surface of the skin, the painless procedure doesn’t leave any marks or scars on the patient. If you’re particular about your appearance, this can be a pro for undergoing laser eye surgery. It’s also a great way to get rid of the hassle of putting on glasses or contact lenses all the time.
2. Painless Procedure
Most patients only experience a mild discomfort 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, but afterward, there are no aftershocks, unless there are any side effects. The painless procedure is done by correcting the shape of the cornea using a laser. Sometimes, some Lasik operations use a 3D model to correct the eye refraction error.
3. Cost-efficiency
You may think that Lasik is too costly for you, but add up the money spent on eyeglasses, consultations, and contact lenses, and you’ll see how it will save you money in the long-run. Another unique attribute to Lasik is the fact that you can have your eyesight still altered if it changes as you age.
Risks
1. ‘Best’ Vision?
Sometimes some patients will lose their “best” vision after undergoing Lasik. This means that you won’t see as clearly as when you first wore your glasses or contacts. Still, your vision will be clearer and less blurry than if you hadn’t undergone the operation. This is a bit minor but can be extremely frustrating.
2. Dry eyes
As your eyes heal from the surgical procedure of Lasik, they tend to hamper tear production. This leads to dry eyes in the first six months of recuperation.
3. Double vision and halos
Unlike the previous two risks, double vision and halos are rare in those who undergo Lasik eye surgery. This may be caused by a complication during the operation, or due to a reaction from the patient’s natural physical makeup.
