Lasik is an acronym for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis;” like any other kind of operation, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of Lasik eye surgery before committing to the procedure. In simplest terms, Lasik procedures have the potential to correct vision problems commonly associated with astigmatism, near- and also far-sightedness. Successful outcomes enable patients to bid farewell to contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Pros of Lasik

An April, 2008 press release (1) by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) reveals that there is a worldwide satisfaction rating of 95.4% associated with completed procedures. Unfortunately, it is unclear how large a sample was interviewed for the sake of compiling the data. The same document suggests that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receives one negative comment about Lasik for each 10,000 completed treatments. With an American patient population of approximately 700,000 per year, this is a respectable ratio.

Cons of Lasik

On the downside, if you are that one in 10,000 patients, you might be experiencing permanently dry eyes as a result of Lasik surgery. Other potential outcomes include double vision, sun sensitivity or a detached corneal flap. In addition, patients — in the middle age group that starts in the 40s – will occasionally still need to rely on reading glasses, even after successful procedures.

Unrealistic Expectations: Cause for Trouble?

When investigating the pros and cons of Lasik eye surgery, it becomes obvious that there is a world of difference between the glossy ad copy of providers and the cold, hard facts of medical science. USA Eyes (2) points out that Lasik is not exactly the one-time miraculous treatment it is made out to be. Instead, it is a lengthy process of numerous care management aspects.

Consider that a Lasik procedure primarily reshapes the cornea in an effort to decrease the patient’s requirement for eye glasses. It does not promise to completely eradicate the need for glasses but in its place only suggests that it will greatly curtail the need for them. Even so, some patients do experience the hoped for outcome of no longer needing glasses at all.

Moreover, Lasik is still a developing science. Although there have already been great improvements in the field, there is still much to be learned and refined to obtain better and more consistent results across the board. At the same time, any kind of operation indelibly alters the body and Lasik on the eye is no exception. While some correction is possible, there are cases where the surgery does more harm than good. This is a risk patients are made aware of during the signing of informed consent paperwork.

At this point in time, there are new procedures coming to forefront. Even as they rely on the technology that makes Lasik possible, they deviate sufficiently to be more useful to some patients. As you carefully weigh the pros and cons of Lasik eye surgery, make sure you understand the limitations of the procedure – such as they might pertain to you personally – and ask yourself if you are willing to risk your eyesight for something that might be little more than an inconvenience.

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