Is Lasik Surgery Worth It

Answer 1

Lasik eye surgery is a relatively new procedure (its popular use began in the 1990s) to correct one’s vision by changing the shape of the cornea in order to drastically reduce or completely eliminate the need for corrective glasses or lenses. The main factors to consider before getting Lasik are function, risks, and affordability.

Function refers to the usefulness you will get from a Lasik procedure. If you are happy wearing glasses/contacts or rarely need them, Lasik may not be worth the costs and potential risks involved. However, if you are someone who sees corrective lenses as a burden or requires better eyesight, Lasik can be a huge improvement in your life. Be wary of your Lasik needs. For professions that require perfect or near perfect eyesight, Lasik is not always a quick fix to give you perfect vision (e.g. pilots). If you are considering Lasik as a means of pursuing a career, check with your potential employer before getting surgery to ensure Lasik corrected eyesight is appropriate for the position. For most, the simple desire to see without lenses is enough motivation and benefit to outweigh the costs and risk involved in Lasik.

The jury is still out on the risks of Lasik. As a relatively new procedure, there is no long term data on potential risks. As with all medical procedures, there is an unavoidable, albeit potentially low chance of harm. Short term, documented risks of Lasik include inflammation, dry eyes, vision LOSS, and the potential for diminishing benefits with time, amongst others. Lasik is not for everyone, especially those who participate in high contact activities (think sports), minors (under 18), people with certain diseases/conditions, and those who have had a lens prescription change within the last year. The most effective way to evaluate your risks vs. benefits is to seek multiple doctor opinions and asking questions based on personal research.

Finally, Lasik should not be pursued based on price alone. Lasik prices are currently quite variant, but expect to pay at least a couple thousand dollars. Your best bet is to ignore price, focusing rather on doctor opinions of reliable and effective Lasik surgeons.