Introduction
“Why don’t eye doctors get LASIK?” This question dives into why eye specialists, who know a lot about fixing vision, often choose not to have LASIK themselves. LASIK is a popular surgery that can help improve eyesight by reshaping the cornea. But when eye doctors opt out of this procedure, it makes us wonder about its safety, drawbacks, and other options available.
Exploring this topic lets us understand the complicated choices in vision correction, blending professional ethics, and personal preferences, and the challenges of medical decision-making. By figuring out why eye doctors might avoid LASIK, we learn more about how both patients and experts navigate the world of eye care.
In this blog, we discuss these topics:
- Why Don’t Eye Doctors Opt for LASIK?
- The Purpose of Wearing Glasses Following LASIK Surgery
- Why Do Some Eye Doctors Opt Out of LASIK for Themselves?
- Why Eye Doctors Choose Glasses: Presbyopia Explained
- Understanding LASIK Surgery?
- Conclusion
- FAQS
Why Don’t Eye Doctors Opt for LASIK?
Eye doctors often choose to have vision correction surgery for themselves. A study found that they are five times more likely to opt for such procedures compared to the general public. In the study, published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 250 LASIK surgeons were surveyed. Among them, 62.6 percent had already undergone LASIK, and 91 percent had either had the procedure themselves or recommended it to their family members. So, even if you see some LASIK surgeons wearing glasses, it doesn’t mean they don’t believe in the service they provide. They’re more likely to have undergone LASIK themselves.
The Purpose of Wearing Glasses Following LASIK Surgery
Several eye doctors who have undergone successful LASIK surgery still choose to wear glasses afterward. The reasons behind this decision vary. Let’s delve into them.
- Many people believe LASIK completely gets rid of the need for glasses. That’s not true. LASIK can reduce how much you rely on glasses, but most people still need them for clear vision afterward. This is because everyone’s eyes heal differently after the surgery. Surprisingly, some people end up needing glasses more often after LASIK, even if they didn’t need them much before. If your eye doctor wears glasses, it’s probably because they want to make sure they can see your eyes clearly and spot any small problems. They’re not trying to convince you to get LASIK.
- LASIK doesn’t fix a common aging problem called “presbyopia,” which affects near vision. So, many eye doctors who’ve had LASIK still need reading glasses or progressive lenses for close-up tasks.
- Eye doctors often explore new eyewear products due to their convenient access to them. They enjoy testing these products firsthand to acquire direct experience.
After LASIK, some people might still need to wear glasses sometimes, but it doesn’t mean the surgery failed. LASIK can make your vision better without glasses, but sometimes glasses are still needed for the clearest vision possible.
Why Do Some Eye Doctors Opt Out of LASIK for Themselves?
While eye doctors are generally more inclined to undergo LASIK themselves, a significant portion still opt against it for personal reasons. Similar to the general population, these reasons are diverse and include the following:
- Some eye doctors decide against LASIK because they believe the risks outweigh the benefits for them. They might feel that, since they already have decent vision without glasses, there’s a genuine concern that LASIK could potentially do more harm than good.
- Having overly high expectations beyond what’s realistically achievable is a recipe for disappointment when it comes to LASIK. Getting LASIK with unrealistic hopes often leads to unhappiness in the end.
- When your prescription keeps changing, undergoing surgery like LASIK isn’t suitable because it’s like trying to aim at a moving target.
- They’re not eligible for the procedure due to eye health issues like keratoconus, cataracts, past herpetic eye infections, or unmanageable dry eye syndrome.
- They prefer the comfort and familiarity of glasses and contact lenses, as they are not comfortable with the uncertainties associated with surgery.
Getting laser eye surgery is a personal choice. It’s not right for everyone, but those who are good candidates and get the right support usually end up happy with the results.
Why Eye Doctors Choose Glasses: Presbyopia Explained
Eye doctors are often older than the age range for vision correction procedures, which is typically between 18 and 45. What many people don’t realize is that as we get older, our eyes go through changes that LASIK, SMILE, or ICL surgeries can’t fix or prevent. These changes affect the lens of the eye, not the cornea where nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are treated.
As people age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to see things up close. This is called presbyopia, and it usually starts to happen around the age of 40. It’s a natural part of aging, and everyone will experience some loss of near vision as they get older, whether they’re nearsighted or farsighted.
Most people, including eye doctors, choose to wear reading glasses to help them see things up close as their eyes age and develop presbyopia.
If you’re curious about whether a vision correction procedure is suitable for you because your eye doctor wears glasses, just ask them! The most crucial part of deciding on such a procedure is finding out if you’re a good candidate. This is done through a thorough evaluation and consultation with a skilled surgeon. The results of this evaluation are vital for determining the best recommendation for your vision needs.
Understanding LASIK Surgery?
Before LASIK Surgery
An eye doctor can find corneal eye problems during a regular eye check-up and send you to an eye surgeon for surgery if needed. It’s important to talk to your eye doctor before the surgery to know about the possible risks, what to expect, and how much it might cost. LASIK surgery can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 for each eye.
The eye surgeon will also measure your corneas and pupils more and look at your medical history. LASIK might not be the best choice for people who:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Certain eye injuries or conditions
- Very high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Compromised immune systems
During LASIK Surgery
You don’t have to visit a hospital for LASIK surgery. An eye surgeon can perform it in a clinic or outpatient center. Here’s a brief overview of the typical procedure.
- The surgeon will numb your eye using anesthetic drops.
- A device is placed between your eyelids to hold them open.
- A suction ring is placed over your eye to prevent it from moving. At this stage, you may experience a temporary loss of vision.
- The surgeon will use a laser or a special micro-blade to create a flap in the cornea and fold it back.
- Next, a laser will be directed into your eye, and you’ll be asked to focus on the light while the laser reshapes your cornea.
- After that, the surgeon will reposition the corneal flap.
- You’ll require someone, like a friend or family member, to drive you home.
After LASIK Surgery
Your cornea will get better as time passes, and your doctor will give you eye drops to stop infections. You should see better within a few days, but for some people, it takes three to six months for their vision to be completely stable. Don’t rub your eyes or use skin products near them. Some side effects you might have are:
- Pain
- Dry eyes
- Trouble seeing in dim light
- Eyes sensitive to light
- Blurry vision
Make sure to visit your eye doctor for check-ups to make sure your eyes are getting better.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while many eye doctors choose LASIK for vision correction, a significant number opt for glasses or other forms of corrective eyewear. This choice often depends on a combination of personal comfort, professional risk assessment, and unique eye health considerations. Factors such as presbyopia, fluctuating prescriptions, and specific eye health issues like keratoconus or cataracts can lead professionals to avoid LASIK. Additionally, personal preference for the familiarity and flexibility of glasses or contact lenses plays a role. It’s crucial to remember that LASIK is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The decision to undergo this procedure should be made after a thorough consultation with an eye care professional who can assess your suitability, taking into account your specific needs and medical history. Whether you’re an eye doctor or a patient, the key is to make informed choices that align with your vision goals and health priorities.
FAQS
Q1. Why don’t more people get LASIK surgery?
A1. A lot of folks don’t opt for LASIK because it doesn’t always guarantee perfect vision, especially as you get older. Plus, it can be expensive, and there’s a chance of having issues with night vision down the road.
Q2. Why don’t famous folks get LASIK?
A2. Well, LASIK isn’t for everyone. Some people aren’t eligible for it due to certain factors. About 15-20% of folks who consider it isn’t approved because they don’t meet the requirements.
Q3. What happens if you sneeze during LASIK?
A3. If you sneeze while the procedure is happening, the laser just stops for a moment. Once you’re settled again, it picks right back up where it left off. So, sneezing or any other movements won’t mess up the surgery.
Q4. Does LASIK hurt?
A4. During LASIK, you might feel some pressure or discomfort, but it’s not painful. They use a tool to hold your eyelids open, which might feel a bit weird, but it’s not painful. The laser they use is cool and precise, so there’s no pain during the process of reshaping your cornea.
Q5. Can you cry after LASIK?
A5. Crying after LASIK won’t hurt your eyes or slow down the healing process. It might even help keep your eyes lubricated, which is good for healing. Lots of people shed a tear or two right after the surgery.
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