What are the LASIK advantages and disadvantages?

You may ask yourself “What are the benefits of LASIK?“. Well, the significant benefit of LASIK (also known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is that it’s an accurate and effective procedure with a high success rate. One of the main advantages of LASIK is that we can correct a wide range of refractive errors or focusing problems by reshaping the cornea, resulting in improved vision and fewer vision problems. Additionally, LASIK laser eye surgery is virtually painless and has a quick and easy recovery process. Many LASIK patients enjoy the freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

We can correct a wide range of refractive errors or focusing problems when we reshape the cornea. There is almost no pain, it’s safe, and the recovery is very rapid.¹Urmc.rochester.edu. 2021. Frequently Asked Questions – LASIK – Flaum Eye Institute – University of Rochester Medical Center.Healing takes place within three hours, and vision recovery occurs overnight. Many people want to know the advantage and disadvantage of LASIK so they can make a clear and informed choice. This is normal. LASIK is one of the most researched types of refractive surgery in the world, and the evidence shows that most people do very well²https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/. But each person is different, so it helps to understand the full picture before you decide.

Some people also want to understand how LASIK fits into the broader group of refractive surgery options. LASIK is one type. Surface laser treatments like PRK are another. Lens based treatments exist too. Each option has different recovery times. Each option has its own strengths. LASIK is known for its fast visual recovery. Most people see better later that same day. Many people return to normal daily tasks the next day. This quick recovery is one reason it remains so popular³https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik.

One question people often ask is if they will still need reading glasses later in life. This depends on age. LASIK reshapes the cornea, but it does not stop the natural ageing of the lens inside the eye. The lens becomes stiffer with age. This is why most people need reading glasses at some point after their mid-forties. LASIK does not make this happen sooner. It does not make it worse. It is just a normal part of life. We can talk you through this during your assessment.

The ten most-cited LASIK procedure benefits⁴https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01655420

1. More convenience
2. Nearly immediate vision improvement
3. Long-term cost savings
4. Permanent correction of shortsightedness and longsightedness and astigmatism
5. Boosted self-confidence
6. Lower risk compared with contact lenses or lens-based surgery
7. Positive impact on eye allergies
8. High patient satisfaction
9. Virtually painless procedure
10. The quick and easy recovery process

To help you understand these points even more, it can help to think about how they apply in daily life. More convenience means you wake up and see clearly without searching for your glasses. Nearly immediate vision improvement means your day after surgery often feels very different and easier. High patient satisfaction comes from how quickly life changes. People often tell us they feel lighter. They feel more free. These small things matter.

Long term cost savings also matter. Glasses and contact lenses add up over the years. Many people spend more money than they realise. When you look at LASIK this way, the value becomes clear.

The disadvantage of LASIK eye surgery is that we make a corneal flap.

That can be a disadvantage for a tiny number of people because they could injure the flap. That might apply to you if you are in the military or the emergency services or involved in contact sports. 

Therefore, the LASIK surgical procedure may not be the best treatment for you.

Instead, you may be a better candidate for having a surface laser or SmartSight.

Some also experience dry eye as a temporary side effect which we can resolve by giving you eye drops to use after surgery.

When thinking about the disadvantage of LASIK, it helps to remember that each option has its place. There is no single perfect treatment for everyone. This is why your assessment is so important. We look at your eyes. We talk about your lifestyle. We guide you to the option that helps you reach your goal in the safest way possible.

If you would like to learn more about laser vision correction and understand which treatment options will be most appropriate for you to free you from having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, please book online for a free laser vision assessment.