Pros and Cons of Having Lasik Surgery

Research has shown that about 61 percent of the population wear glasses, lenses, or other visual aids in a 2012 statistics report. The percentage has been consistently rising and it seems that women are more ‘bespectacled’ than men in recent years.  

https://unsplash.com/photos/tMFeatBSS4s

The use of screens of various devices is damaging eyes nowadays, especially in this COVID-19 situation. Online schools, home-office additions, meetings, webinars, assignments, and exams are now done with the help of technology and the internet. The world is getting modernized, advanced, and developed day by day, but this has some demerits too.  

 The constant screen time is making the younger generation’s eyesight weaker and more vulnerable. The need for glasses is getting more common than before, along with many other eye issues. 

 However, getting used to glasses is not easy at first. The ones who have been wearing glasses for years may still feel like they’re a burden on their nose and a source of trouble for them. 

 If you have poor eyesight and are already annoyed using glasses, I may help with a better idea: Lasik surgery! Don’t worry. I am not here to make you detest your glasses. I am just being neutral and trying to help you decide what’s best. If you feel the urge to consult with an ophthalmologist you can also search for a lasik eye center for expert advice. 

 If you want to throw away your glasses and be confident without spectacles, you might opt to go for contact lenses or Lasik surgery! Contact lenses are used vastly among the young generation between the age of 18-30. But it has some safety issues. The lenses should be taken care of properly and you should put extra effort to protect your eyes while using and keeping them. You should change them more often otherwise your eyes could hurt and irritate you.  

 To avoid the pain and trouble, you could choose to go for a Lasik surgery instead. Our aim is to get you acquainted with the pros and cons of Lasik surgery if you are considering undergoing the procedure.  

 What Is Lasik Surgery? 

Before making any decision, you should first understand the procedure well. So, here is some basic information about the procedure,  what it is, how it is done, the pros and cons, and what could be the side effects. And of course, we’ll answer the most asked question: Is it safe?  

 Basically Lasik is laser surgery on your eyes, referring to refractive surgery for the improvement of myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia. It is a kind of surgery to get your eyesight back to normal! 

 Nonetheless, before considering anything, consult an ophthalmologist and get the required tests done. When you have decided to get the Lasik surgery done and gone through tests, you should know the pros and cons of the surgery for yourself. 

Pros of Lasik Surgery 

  • It is easy and handy. The whole procedure may take 20 minutes on average and you don’t need to stay overnight in hospitals. 
  • It is quick to recover from and takes no more than 48 hours to get back to regular life. 
  • There are self-regulating block-out options if any sudden movement occurs during the procedure. 
  • Since the technique and technology are improving continuously, the need for repeat examinations and follow-up data is rarely required. 
  • You need no bandage or stitches during the surgery – this is the most powerful part of this laser surgery. 
  • You can have an option to balance your vision (known as enhancement) which brings your vision to full correction after Lasik as you get older – another reliable advantage of this surgery. 
  • Data from a systematic literature review found that patient satisfaction of perfectly conducted and well-designed surgery was more than 95%. 

Well, it would be unjust to elaborate on the pros only. Along with its various leverages, it causes some dissatisfaction that can not be ignored. Take a look at some cons caused due to the surgery. 

Cons of Lasik Surgery 

  • The most unfortunate problem is that some patients may need glasses or lenses even after the surgery. 
  • Research indicates that almost 95% of patients experience dry eyes after the Lasik surgery including starbursts, ghosting, and halos. But they tend to heal after three months or so. 
  • Temporary dry eye syndrome can severely affect the quality of life if it becomes chronic. 
  • Getting a slipped flap can be a complication that separates from the rest of the cornea. That’s why patients are suggested to sleep and cover their eyes immediately after the operation, preventing dislocating the flap.
  • Approximately 0.04% of surgeries result in infection.
  • You will need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops to avoid infection, which can affect your kidneys.  
  • It is an expensive procedure for almost everyone. 

I must note that if you wear contact lenses, you should stop wearing them 5 to 21 days before the surgery. You should undergo an examination of your corneas before surgery and take oral sedatives as premedication. 

Final Words 

Of course, going through Lasik surgery is your personal choice. Do not get blindly influenced by your friend who has undergone the procedure or the doctor who is motivating you to do so.  

Carefully observe the risks and get your questions answered first by your consultant. Know your eyes in and out, and whether they are eligible for the procedure. Do not rush into decisions but get an appointment with a second doctor to find out their opinions. You are free to go with the procedure if your eyes allow you to pursue this alternative!  

Add Your Comment

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.