LASIK Surgery: Pros and Cons

For decades, LASIK eye surgery has been transforming lives and restoring vision to people all over the world. Over the years advancements have accelerated, incorporating new wavefront technology, femtosecond lasers, and other innovations to reduce complications and offer even better results.

At the Kraff Eye Institute, Dr. Colman Kraff boasts decades of experience in ophthalmological surgeries and promises the best LASIK experience and results. We offer LASIK for astigmatism and a host of other eye problems.

If you wear glasses, you could be a candidate for LASIK surgery. This innovative technology could restore your sight, but we think it’s important that you understand all of the details to determine if LASIK is right for you. One detail includes the risks. The chance of experiencing one of these is very small.

You are better able to make decisions when you are fully educated on all aspects that come with the procedure.

LASIK could change your life. Here’s how it works.

What Is LASIK?

It is a refractive procedure that aims to reduce or remove a patient’s dependency on contact lenses and eyeglasses. Its technical name is “Laser in Situ Keratomileusis,” which means a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, and it is applied underneath a corneal flap.

The laser improves your vision by fixing refractive errors you were born with or which may have developed over time.

The surgery is split into two parts. First, an Intralase Femtosecond Laser is used to create a thin flap on the cornea’s surface. Then, the flap is lifted, and another laser is used to change the shape of the cornea. Once completed, the flap is then realigned over the surface of the cornea and works like a band aid to expediate the healing process.

Lasik Pros and Cons

Like everything in life, there are pros and cons of LASIK that you must consider. Lasik may not be for everybody, but we think it could be vastly beneficial for a great many people who simply don’t want to rely on eyeglasses and contact lenses anymore.

Let’s take a look at some of these LASIK pros and cons:

LASIK Pros

• Medical studies show that between 96% and 98% of patients who undergo LASIK treatment achieve the 20/20 vision they were hoping for. And, between 40% and 50% of patients end up with vision that’s even better than that. LASIK can truly change your life.
• LASIK is more affordable than ever, and the most experienced, reputable surgical centers offer the best value for your money. If a patient adds up what they spend on glasses, contact lenses, contact solution, and eye exams over time, it ends up costing them way more than if they had surgery. Book an assessment today and we’ll discuss your options, success rate, and our extremely affordable pricing and finance options.
• Surgery is extremely quick, and safer than ever, too. Your surgery could take as little as 20 minutes, and as you’ll see from our testimonials page, we offer a comfortable, painless, and smooth experience for everyone.
• Recovery is quick. Patients can expect to return to most of their normal activities, including work, by the next day.
• You’ll remember what it’s like to wake up and see clearly without reaching for your glasses or contact lens case! With our LASIK procedure, you’ll see clearly without any assistance.

LASIK Cons

• As one might expect from most surgeries or treatments, there may be side effects. Thankfully, with LASIK, they tend to be temporary. One possible side effect is “dry eye,” a symptom characterized by a mild itching or burning sensation that peaks at around three months following the surgery but typically disappears after 3 to 6 months. A patient will be encouraged to use over the counter artificial tears to help minimize this sensation.
• Another temporary symptom, which affects roughly 20% of LASIK patients, is a “glare” around light sources that is visible in low light or at night time. This minor complaint is less common than dry eye and typically improves or disappears, again, between 3 to 6 months. This is also a common issue with contact lenses, however, and with contact lenses, the glare lasts for as long as contact lenses are relied on.
• Every eye is different, and patients must be aware that there is a small chance the surgery may not be right for them, particularly if their corneas are thin or if their refractive error is too high. However, Dr. Kraff and his consultants will explain all of your options and provide you with the very best chance of greatly improving your vision.

Lasik Surgery Risks

No surgery is without risk, but rest assured, the team here at the Kraff Eye Institute does everything we can to make the surgery as safe as possible. That starts at your initial consultation when Dr. Kraff is deciding if surgery is the right option for the patient.

Beyond the temporary symptoms that a small minority of patients may experience, some may experience blurred vision or discomfort that can be solved with additional surgery.

For these reasons, you must trust the experts – and as Chicago’s top LASIK provider, we’re confident we can deliver the great results you need.

Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK can repair a range of refractive issues. LASIK for astigmatism is an extremely common procedure, but it’s by no means the only reason people opt for the surgery. There are a few general rules that determine whether you’re a good LASIK candidate, starting with having generally healthy eyes.

You should be at least 18 years old, have had a stable eyeglass prescription for 1 to 2 years, and no major eye problems including corneal disease, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration.

Dr. Kraff will look over many different factors when you’re here for your initial consultation. He will only decide if you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery if you fall well within treatable perimeters.

Are You Ready to Change Your Life?

Ready to enjoy clear vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses? If you’re ready to explore your options, reach out to the Kraff Eye Institute.

Schedule your complimentary Vision Correction Consultation online or give us a call at (312) 444-1111 and we’ll arrange an appointment.

Our world-class facility and experienced doctor are waiting for you.