Common Misconceptions about LASIK

“I’m too old.”
Many patients assume LASIK is only for young adults, but age alone isn’t the deciding factor—eye health is. As long as your prescription has been stable and your corneas are healthy, you may be a candidate for LASIK well into your 40s. Monovision LASIK is an option that will be discussed with you if you are in your 40s, and this unique set up not only improves your distance vision but oftentimes can buy you another 20 years without needing reading glasses! Modern screening technology allows eye doctors to determine if LASIK, or another refractive option like ICL or RLE (implantable lens-based surgeries), is the safest and most effective choice for your vision goals.

“It’s too expensive.”
While LASIK is an investment, it often saves money over time compared to years of buying glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, and solutions. Many practices also offer flexible financing options or accept health savings accounts (HSAs and FSAs). Also, think about how much money an hour of your free time is worth, and then consider how much time you spend daily on your contact lens related routines- cleaning contacts, storing them, ordering supplies, etc. That's time you could be spending on activities you actually enjoy! Another way to think about this (if I haven't convinced you already) is that wearing glasses or contacts is like renting your clear vision: a long-term, recurring cost for a temporary fix. LASIK, on the other hand, is more like buying your clear vision—a one-time investment that provides lasting freedom and clarity. When you consider the long-term convenience and independence from daily eyewear costs, LASIK can actually be a very cost-effective option.

“It’s too risky.”
LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure, with decades of research and millions of successful outcomes worldwide. Advances in laser technology, imaging, and surgical precision have made complications exceedingly rare. In fact, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery found that the long-term risk of serious eye infections is actually higher for contact lens wearers than for patients who undergo the one-time LASIK procedure. This is because wearing contact lenses over many years increases exposure to bacteria and microtears on the corneal surface, which can lead to infections, inflammation, or scarring. LASIK eliminates those daily risks by removing the need for lens handling altogether.Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, and the vast majority return to normal activities within a day or two.