Top 5 eye surgery myths: Is laser eye surgery risky?

Hi, it’s Dr. Russell from VSON. Today I’ll share the: “Top 5 laser eye surgery myths”.

It’s not unusual to feel anxious about eye surgery. One of the prevailing myths around it is that it’s risky.

So, what’s real and worth worrying about, and what isn’t? Let’s take a look and separate the truth from fiction as well as answer the question: “Is laser eye surgery risky?”. Here we list the top 5 laser eye surgery myths:

1. It’s still in the development process: Myth

While it is true that procedures such as SmartSight, are relatively new in comparison to LASIK, that doesn’t mean that they lack safety or effectiveness. What’s important is that they have an excellent track record, and are capable of correcting your short-sightedness right now. So, this is very much a myth.

2. You’ll still need glasses following laser eye surgery: Myth

There is a shred of truth to this, but only a shred. For example, when it comes to SmartSight, the American FDA’s review of the procedure demonstrated that 98.5% of participants saw a significant improvement in their vision, and 93% of the total pool had attained near-perfect vision. The results speak for themselves.

3. Laser eye surgery is risky: Myth

Any eye surgery or surgery for that matter carries some risk. However, they are extremely rare nonetheless. Please note that procedures such as SmartSight are very intricate, so assuming your surgeon has the right expertise and years of experience, risks shouldn’t deter you from having it done.

4. Laser eye surgery hurts: Myth

Many laser eye surgeries involve the use of anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye nerves, and a speculum and suction are often employed to ensure that your eye stays in place throughout the procedure. Ultimately, there may be a little discomfort experienced, but, laser eye surgery is painless.

5. SmartSight eye surgery requires a long recovery: Myth

Depending on your type of work, you might need to take a few days of medical leave, 2 or 3 days at most, while your eyes recover. That said, if your work doesn’t cause eye strain, less recovery time may be required.

Read this blog for further information on laser eye surgery myths. To learn more about laser eye surgery, or if you have any questions, schedule a free assessment at VSON here.