October 14, 2025
Vision correction surgery has helped millions of people reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Yet despite decades of proven results and technological advances, misinformation about these procedures persists. Whether you are actively considering LASIK, have been told you are not a candidate, or are simply curious, separating the myths from the facts will help you make an informed decision about your eye care.
Myth: LASIK Is Dangerous and Experimental
Fact: LASIK has been performed for over 25 years and is one of the most extensively studied elective procedures in medicine. Health Canada approved LASIK in the late 1990s, and since then, the technology has improved dramatically. Modern femtosecond laser LASIK is guided by wavefront mapping of your individual eye, making it more precise than ever.
Large-scale studies consistently show patient satisfaction rates above 96 percent. Serious complications, while possible with any surgery, occur in fewer than 1 percent of cases with experienced surgeons and proper patient screening. That screening process is critical, which is why a thorough eye examination and consultation are essential first steps.
Myth: The Laser Can Burn or Damage Your Eye
Fact: The excimer laser used in LASIK and PRK is a "cool" laser, meaning it does not generate heat. It works by breaking molecular bonds in the corneal tissue to reshape it with extreme precision, removing tissue one microscopic layer at a time. The laser is computer-controlled and includes eye-tracking technology that follows your eye's movements thousands of times per second, pausing instantly if your eye moves outside the treatment zone.
The fear of a laser near your eye is understandable, but the technology is designed with multiple safety redundancies. You will also receive numbing drops before the procedure, so you feel no pain during the treatment itself.
Myth: LASIK Results Do Not Last
Fact: For most patients, LASIK provides permanent correction of the refractive error that existed at the time of surgery. The corneal reshaping does not "wear off." However, your eyes can still undergo natural changes over time, particularly presbyopia (age-related difficulty with near vision) which typically begins in the mid-40s. This is not the LASIK fading; it is a normal aging process that affects everyone, including those who never had surgery.
A small percentage of patients may experience some regression, where a slight amount of the original prescription returns over years. In many of these cases, a minor enhancement procedure can restore the correction. Your surgeon will discuss long-term expectations during your consultation based on your specific prescription and age.
Myth: You Cannot Wear Glasses After LASIK
Fact: There is nothing preventing you from wearing glasses after LASIK if you want or need them. Many patients who had LASIK in their 30s or 40s eventually need reading glasses as presbyopia develops, which is perfectly normal. Others choose to wear non-prescription sunglasses, blue-light glasses for screen work, or progressive lenses as they age. LASIK does not eliminate the possibility of wearing glasses; it simply reduces or removes the necessity for daily wear.
Myth: Everyone Is a Candidate for LASIK
Fact: Not everyone is suitable for LASIK, and responsible surgeons will tell you so. Factors that may disqualify you include corneas that are too thin, very high prescriptions, unstable vision (prescription still changing), certain corneal conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, autoimmune diseases, and pregnancy or nursing. Age also matters; most surgeons require patients to be at least 18, and many prefer to wait until the mid-20s when prescriptions have fully stabilized.
If you are not a candidate for LASIK, alternative procedures may be available. PRK, ICL (implantable collamer lenses), and refractive lens exchange are all viable options for different situations. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the best approach based on your specific anatomy and prescription.
Myth: PRK Is Inferior to LASIK
Fact: PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was the predecessor to LASIK and is still widely performed today. The visual outcomes are virtually identical; the main difference is in the recovery process. LASIK creates a corneal flap that allows for faster healing and less initial discomfort. PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) entirely, which means a longer recovery period of several days to a week and more discomfort during healing.
However, PRK is often the better choice for patients with thinner corneas, those in contact sports or military roles where a corneal flap could be problematic, and those with certain corneal irregularities. Neither procedure is universally superior; they are different tools suited to different situations.
Myth: Vision Correction Surgery Means You Never Need Eye Exams Again
Fact: This is one of the most important myths to dispel. Vision correction surgery corrects your refractive error, but it does not protect against other eye conditions. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, and other conditions can still develop regardless of whether you have had surgery. In fact, some of these conditions have a genetic component that surgery does not address.
Regular comprehensive eye exams remain essential after any vision correction procedure. Your optometrist will monitor your overall eye health, check for early signs of disease, and ensure your post-surgical vision remains stable. Annual exams are the standard recommendation for adults.
Myth: Laser Eye Surgery Can Correct Presbyopia Permanently
Fact: Presbyopia is caused by the stiffening of the eye's natural lens, not by the shape of the cornea. Since laser surgery reshapes the cornea, it cannot directly reverse presbyopia. However, a technique called monovision LASIK can help manage it. In monovision, one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. The brain learns to use each eye for different tasks. Some patients adapt well to this approach, while others find it uncomfortable.
Newer procedures like refractive lens exchange, which replaces the natural lens with a multifocal IOL (similar to cataract surgery), can address presbyopia more directly. Your ophthalmologist can discuss which option is most appropriate for your situation and visual goals.
Myth: The Cheapest Option Is Just as Good
Fact: Vision correction surgery pricing varies significantly between clinics, and the lowest price does not always represent the best value. Key factors that affect cost include the technology used (older microkeratome LASIK versus modern femtosecond laser), the experience of the surgeon, the thoroughness of pre-operative screening, and what is included in the quoted price (some clinics charge extra for follow-up visits or enhancements).
When evaluating clinics, ask about the specific laser technology, the surgeon's experience and complication rates, what the fee includes, and their enhancement policy. A reputable clinic will be transparent about all of these factors and will not pressure you into a quick decision.
What to Do Next
If you are considering vision correction surgery, the first step is a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. They can assess your overall eye health, determine whether your prescription is stable, and provide a referral to a trusted ophthalmologist if you are a potential candidate. Even if you decide surgery is not for you, modern glasses and contact lenses offer outstanding vision correction with virtually unlimited style options.
At Fantastic Glasses in Okotoks, Alberta, our team can help you at every stage, whether that is a pre-surgical exam, post-operative eyewear, or finding the perfect frames and lenses as an alternative to surgery. We offer a free Essilor R800 eye test with every eyewear purchase and carry over 2,000 frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Maui Jim. Book your appointment today or call (587) 997-3937.