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TRUE or FALSE?

1. LASIK is a risk-free procedure.

FALSE! LASIK is subject to risks associated with other types of procedures. It's essential that you understand as much as possible about the potential risks of any surgical procedure so that you can make an informed decision. The chance of having a serious vision threatening complication is much less than 1%. To our knowledge, there have been no cases of blindness following LASIK anywhere in the world.

2. LASIK patients never need any type of lenses after the procedure and always achieve perfect 20/20 vision.

FALSE! As with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that you will have perfect vision or that you will not need distance or reading glasses again. However, almost everyone experiences improved vision, and most see well enough to pass a driver's test without corrective lenses.

3. Nothing can be done to treat "glare and halos" that persist after several months.

FALSE! There are many different treatments that an experienced doctor can prescribe for patients. However, the proper treatment requires a proper diagnosis of the cause. There are many potential causes of night vision disturbances. Patients experiencing debilitating night vision problems should mention it to their doctor. Although uncommon, our doctors and staff have been thoroughly trained to deal with complications that could arise from LASIK.

4. If my vision is poor after LASIK, it is safe to repeatedly get enhancements until I get a perfect result.

FALSE! Enhancements or "touch-ups" are possible if the vision is limited by residual refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). However, having more than one enhancement can indicate unrealistic expectations from the patient and poor clinical judgment from the surgeon. Even after repeated enhancements, the eye is still likely to require some prescription to get the very best vision possible. Patients who keep getting enhancements to try to attain an unrealistic result are only increasing their likelihood of a vision reducing complication. Surgeons willing to perform enhancements under these circumstances are not providing good care.

5. 20/20 vision means perfect vision.

FALSE! Some patients with 20/20 vision following LASIK are very unhappy. Unfortunately, much of the advertising emphasizes getting 20/20 vision after LASIK. Patients should be more concerned about getting improved functional vision. During your LASIK evaluation your patient counselor will discuss your unique sight needs and determine how to get you the optimum results.

6. LASIK is not a medical procedure.

FALSE! Advertising often suggests LASIK is like getting your hair cut in order to maximize response. Some clinics have located within shopping malls to "de-medicize" LASIK to attract patients. Despite these portrayals, LASIK is a surgical procedure requiring professional medical judgment. Patients should take their scheduled appointments and doctors' recommendations seriously.

7. The brand of excimer laser is more important than the doctor providing pre- and post-operative care.

FALSE! Although we feel it is important to provide patients with a laser that minimizes room for error, your refractive surgeon has ultimate control over your results. The best possible result depends heavily on the doctor performing the pre- and postoperative care. LASIK is performed by doctors - not by machines. The laser cannot determine your candidacy for the procedure, evaluate whether your expectations are in line with the likely outcome, nor determine the attempted correction. The doctor is crucial in these regards, as well as assessing your response to the treatment, ensuring the eye is healing properly, and educating you through the entire process. As a rule of thumb, if you select a good eye care team for your LASIK, you will receive the instrumentation they feel is best including the laser, surgical instruments, eye drops, and other "materials". Despite this, manufacturers will always try to persuade you that their laser is the best.

8. The quality of LASIK is the same no matter where you go.

FALSE! Advertisements from discount laser centers suggest that LASIK is the same no matter where you go. However, LASIK is not a product with consistency from one place to another. It is a professional service with variable quality. When comparing the different LASIK centers, you should ask, "What do you do to ensure the best possible outcome?" The worst question to ask first is, "What do you charge for LASIK?" Remember that LASIK is a medical procedure. Like heart and brain surgery, this is not the place to look for a bargain. Look for service, quality, commitment, high ethical standards, caring and expertise.

9. A good result after LASIK will save me money from needing routine eye exams in the future.

FALSE! Patients that have had LASIK vision correction still need routine eye exams including dilation each year. These exams are important for ensuring proper eye health even if the vision is good or unchanged.