Ophthalmologist & LASIK Surgeon Serving Chicago, Lombard & Naperville Areas Of Illinois
Posted: January 23, 2020
LASIK is one of the most popular vision-correction procedures available, with more than 600,000 Americans getting the treatment annually. It is often recommended as a long-term solution to address vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, despite the benefits, many patients are still hesitant to undergo LASIK because of various myths surrounding the procedure.
At Foulkes Vision, our board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Richard B. Foulkes takes pride in educating his patients prior to eye surgery to set realistic expectations and help you understand the procedures you’re considering. Here are three common LASIK myths that patients often ask about during consultations with Dr. Foulkes, and why they’re not real.
LASIK is Painful
Most patients report that their LASIK eye surgery was very comfortable. Dr. Foulkes administers numbing eye drops before your surgery so that you won’t feel any pain. If you are experiencing anxiety beforehand, he will be sure to answer any questions you may have. Depending on your medical history, he may also recommend a light oral sedative so you are completely relaxed and at ease.
Dr. Foulkes uses the most advanced bladeless LASIK technology available. Bladeless LASIK allows Dr. Foulkes to make vision corrections with unparalleled precision and comfort, as well as avoid potential complications that can arise with bladed LASIK.
Nothing Can Fix Poor LASIK Results
Around 96 percent of patients achieve their desired vision results after getting LASIK. However, there are other options if you don’t get the results you wanted. An enhancement procedure can increase your results, especially while you age. Dr. Foulkes offers additional treatment options, such as PRK, to help you get the vision you need for a happy and fulfilling life.
You’ll Never Need Glasses or Contacts After LASIK
Although LASIK leads to a drastic reduction in the need for glasses, it does not prevent your eyes from aging. Presbyopia, the age-related vision decline that usually sets in around age 40, is something that everyone will have to deal with, even if you’ve had LASIK.
Presbyopia generally makes close-up vision worse. You may find yourself having to hold reading material farther away from your face, experiencing blurred vision at typical reading distances, and getting headaches after reading. Part-time glasses for reading or driving at night can help mitigate these symptoms.
LASIK also doesn’t prevent you from developing other age-related vision issues such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Contact Our Chicago LASIK Surgeon Today
To fully determine if LASIK is right for you, Dr. Foulkes and our experienced team will meet with you in person to discuss your eye-care goals and needs. During your initial consultation and comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Foulkes will design your unique treatment plan to help you get the vision results you want to achieve. He has performed more than 48,000 LASIK procedures during his career.
Dr. Foulkes serves Lombard, Naperville, Chicago, and nearby areas of Illinois. If you are in the area and would like to learn more about your LASIK options, give our office a call at 630-724-1400 to schedule your initial consultation with our board-certified ophthalmologist.