Easing These 5 Common LASIK Fears: How to Have a More Relaxing Procedure

Posted by: Focal Point Vision in Blog

Have you been putting off LASIK because the thought of laser eye surgery makes you nervous? You’re not alone. Many people who want freedom from glasses and contacts hesitate when they imagine a procedure involving their eyes.

The good news is that understanding what actually happens during LASIK can turn that anxiety into confidence. Modern LASIK has evolved significantly, and today’s technology has made the procedure safer and more comfortable than ever before.

Keep reading to learn about five common LASIK fears and discover the facts that will help you feel more at ease about this life-changing procedure.

Fear #1: Will LASIK hurt?

This is the number one concern for most people considering LASIK, and here’s the reassuring truth: the procedure itself is not painful. Before your surgery begins, your ophthalmologist will apply anesthetic eye drops that completely numb your eyes. These drops work quickly and effectively, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment.

The actual laser reshaping of your cornea occurs in seconds and produces no discomfort whatsoever. Your vision may dim temporarily during this phase, but that’s a normal part of the process.

The entire LASIK procedure at Focal Point Vision typically takes only about 15 minutes per eye. After your surgery, your eyes may feel scratchy or dry for a few hours, similar to the sensation of wearing contact lenses for too long.

Your LASIK surgeon will provide special eye drops to keep you comfortable during the healing process. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience both during and after LASIK.

Fear #2: What if something goes wrong during surgery?

Modern LASIK has an impressive safety record that should put your mind at ease. According to the 2016 Modern LASIK Outcomes study, 99.5% of eyes achieve 20/40 or better vision after the procedure. These results reflect decades of research, FDA oversight, and continuous improvements in laser technology.

LASIK has been performed on millions of patients since receiving FDA approval. The procedure has one of the highest satisfaction rates among elective surgeries, with up to 98% of patients reporting satisfaction with their results. Serious complications are rare, and the vast majority of side effects that do occur are temporary and resolve within weeks.

The iDesign 2.0 Refractive Studio, used by eye surgeons at Focal Point Vision, takes LASIK precision to a new level. This system performs a complete wavefront analysis and a corneal topography scan in just 3 seconds, capturing thousands of unique measurements of your eye. This detailed mapping allows your surgeon to create a truly customized treatment plan that accounts for even the smallest irregularities in your vision.

The bladeless laser technology used in modern LASIK also improves safety. Instead of using a blade to create the corneal flap, the laser creates an ultra-precise flap with computer-guided accuracy. Dr. Kenneth Maverick and Dr. James Lehmann at Focal Point Vision have extensive experience with these advanced techniques, further minimizing potential risks.

Fear #3: I’m afraid I’ll blink or move my eye

This fear is completely understandable, but the surgical team at Focal Point Vision has this covered. During LASIK, your eye surgeon places a gentle eyelid holder (called a lid speculum) on your eye that keeps your eyelids open throughout the brief procedure. You won’t be able to blink, so there’s no need to worry about trying to keep your eyes open.

To prevent any movement of your eye itself, a soft suction ring is placed on your eye. This ring holds your eye steady while the laser does its work. You might feel mild pressure from the suction ring, but it’s not painful.

Modern LASIK systems also include sophisticated eye-tracking technology. If your eye makes any tiny movements, the laser automatically adjusts to follow along or pauses until your eye is back in position.

Fear #4: What about side effects and complications?

It’s smart to learn about any potential side effects before any medical procedure. With LASIK, most side effects are temporary and resolve as your eyes heal.

Almost everyone who has LASIK will experience some degree of dry eyes for the first few weeks after surgery. Your eyes may also be more sensitive to light, and you might notice glare or halos around lights, especially at night.

These symptoms typically fade within a few weeks to a few months as your cornea fully heals. Some patients report a scratchy or gritty feeling, as if something is in their eye, but this sensation is also temporary. Your LASIK surgeon will prescribe eye drops to help manage dry eyes during recovery and protect them from infection.

The good news is that research shows that newer laser systems have significantly reduced unwanted side effects compared to older technology. While some patients may experience persistent dry eyes or other long-term effects, these cases are uncommon.

Fear #5: What if I’m not a good candidate?

While not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, the comprehensive evaluation process at Focal Point Vision will determine whether you’re a good match for the procedure.

To qualify for LASIK, you need to be at least 18 years old, though many eye surgeons prefer patients to be over 21 when vision has typically stabilized. Your prescription should have remained stable for at least a year before surgery.

You’ll also need adequate corneal thickness, healthy corneas, and good overall eye health. Certain conditions, such as severe dry eye, keratoconus, thin corneas, uncontrolled diabetes, or active eye infections, may preclude LASIK.

If LASIK isn’t the right option for you, that doesn’t mean you can’t have vision correction surgery. Procedures like PRK, EVO ICL, and RLE can help patients who don’t qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas or other factors.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss all appropriate alternatives during your consultation. The goal is always to find the safest, most effective solution for your unique vision needs.

Ready to learn if LASIK is right for you? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, today!