LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Articles from
Albuquerque Vision Specialist Dr. John Teahan

LASIK Myths
John J. Teahan

1. Myth:
Laser vision correction is new and there is little long-term experience.

Fact:
Laser vision correction is over 15 years old. There are millions of people who have had it done with a very small number of serious complications. The founding principles on which laser vision correction was built are nearly 50 years old.

2. Myth:
Laser vision correction is not really surgery.

Fact:
Laser vision correction is one of the most delicate surgeries known. Surgical skills as well as excellent pre & postoperative care enhance your chance for an excellent result.

3. Myth:
The more cases a surgeon has done, the better chance of a good result.

Fact:
Experience is important. However, once a physician has passed the learning curve (400-500 cases), what becomes of greater importance than the quantity of surgery performed is the quality of surgery. In other words, individualized, personal care by a meticulous surgeon is extremely important. Laser vision correction is surgery and should be looked upon as such, just as you would for any other surgery.

4. Myth:
LASIK is superior to PRK (LASEK).

Fact:
LASIK may be more convenient than PRK, but PRK has some significant safety benefits.

5. Myth:
All laser LASIK (Intralase) is the safest laser procedure.

Fact:
All LASIK procedures involve making a corneal incision that creates a corneal flap. Flaps that are made utilizing a laser (Intralase) or newer fourth generation Microkeratomes have a very good safety profile in general. Making a flap however introduces a degree of risk not seen with PRK. In addition, the Intralase may infrequently cause a poorly understood syndrome of severe light sensitivity termed "GAPS". While GAPS is uncommon it can persist for up to months.

6. Myth:
All lasers are the same.

Fact:
Each laser used in laser vision correction has its own strengths. Certain lasers, as well as ancillary equipment, however, offer significant advantages over others. This is one of the reasons costs of treatment can vary.

7. Myth:
Once our eyes are treated, they can never change.

Fact:
Once your eyes are treated they can still change although they rarely revert back to where they started. We generally look for a stable glasses prescription prior to performing LASIK to ensure there will be little change in the years to come. Enhancement may be easier with PRK 2-3 years after surgery than LASIK if it may be needed.

8. Myth:
Laser vision correction removes the need for reading glasses.

Fact:
A "mono-vision" treatment can reduce the dependency on reading glasses after the age of 40 if you are an appropriate candidate. However, most patients after this age use reading glasses.

9. Myth:
If the FDA approves, it must be OK.

Fact:
While the FDA approves a certain range of laser vision correction, for some patients treatment within those guidelines can be deleterious. A good surgeon knows the limit of what can be done safely.

10. Myth:
Laser vision correction is superior in large cites, foreign lands or exotic locations.

Fact:
The reality is nearly 99%+ of all technologies are available on a global basis. What sets the USA apart is clinical trials which are reliable and help objectively define what is good or bad practice. The whole world looks to our trials. The VISX Star S4 has a laser radar tracker to assure accurate treatment. Furthermore, it has the only tracker good enough to be FDA approved.

11. Myth:
Dry eyes are temporary after laser vision correction.

Fact:
With LASIK, a drier eye is common after surgery and usually permanent, although mild for most patients. PRK however causes significantly less dryness. Severe dry eyes are a contraindication to having LASIK.

If you have any question or concerns about laser vision correction,
ask Dr. Teahan for a candid opinion.

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