The many millions of people who have experienced the freedom, convenience and comfort associated with lasik surgery may shake their heads in wonder at some of the remaining myths about this remarkable breakthrough in eye surgery.
Unfortunately, misinformation and sensationaized carry-overs from Lasik’s early days still exist. Dr. Yaldo hears it all, and patiently answers the questions of those who seek Lasik’s life-changing benefits while remaining cautious due to some lingering mythology about it.
Here are some common myths he regularly addresses with potential Lasik candidates:
Myth: Can Lasik cause blindness?
Reality: Lasik has been available for about 25 years, and in the early days when surgeons weren’t experienced and standards hadn’t been set, there were a few cases of things going horribly wrong. But now, especially with sophisticated computerization, all laser Lasik and surgeons with thousands of cases under their belt, this simply doesn’t happen. In fact, Lasik is now viewed as one of the safest procedures in all of medicine!
Myth: Lasik only corrects nearsightedness.
Reality: Not true. But one of the reasons this myth still exists is the self-interest and dishonesty of some people who sell glasses. To recommend surgery to a glasses customer means that we’ll no longer need to buy expensive frames and glasses. Let’s be frank: You shouldn’t ask a non surgeon’s opinion on surgery. Dr. Yaldo has done well in excess of 30,000 Lasik procedures and solves all manner of vision issues from astigmatism, farsightedness and all down the line.
Myth: There is only one type of laser used to treat all patients.
Reality: Not even close. There are a variety of lasers depending on the needs and prescription of each patient. After careful screening, Dr. Yaldo identifies the most appropriate laser for your situation or condition. In fact, for many years, Dr. Yaldo was the only eye surgeon in SE Michigan with the CATz laser, which remains the most advanced in all of ophthalmology and gives most Lasik patients better thsan 20-20, the medical definition of perfect vision.
Myth: Is it true that I can’t have lasik because I had RK many years ago? Or, is it true I’m not a lasik candidate because I’ve already had cataract surgery?
Reality: No and No. Cataract surgery affects the lens wheras Lasik reshapes the cornea. RK is a different type of procedure and Dr. Yaldo has given a multitude of former RK patients stunningly great vision via Lasik.
Myth: If I’m not a Lasik candidate, does it mean that I’m stuck with glasses and contacts forever?
Reality: No way. The Implantable Contact (Collamer) Lens, (acronym: ICL,) is one popular alternative. An ICL is a thin, clear lens surgically implanted into the eye as a long-term solution for short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. If you are between 21 and 45 and nearsighted, you may be a candidate for the Visian ICL. Unlike traditional contact lenses that go on the eye’s surface, the Visian ICL is positioned inside the eye between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the natural lens, which stays indefinitely. In an emergency, it can also easily be removed from the eye. ICLs are usually reserved for patients with levels of -4 to -20 myopia.
In summary, there is so much information and so many solutions that modern eye surgery has created that no column or blog can address more than a small portion of it. Also, since each of us has a unique set of eyes, the most imprtant step we can take is to see a proven, experienced eye surgeon. And certainly, no one in SE Michigan has more experiene or solved more vision issues that Dr. Yaldo.
All you need to do is get a free consultation by calling 1-800-398-EYES or schedule one at yaldoeyecenter.com.
It costs nothing to go see the best surgeon and to then get the best vision of your life!
