Laser eye surgery has been used for decades, yet many people considering treatment still come across outdated information or misconceptions about what the procedure involves. Concerns about pain, safety, recovery and whether LASIK is suitable for everyone can make it difficult to separate laser eye surgery myths from the facts.
There are now several types of laser eye surgery, including LASIK, SMILE and PRK, which use different techniques to correct vision. Treatment planning can take into account factors such as prescription, corneal shape and thickness, overall eye health and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most common misconceptions surrounding laser vision correction and explain what patients can realistically expect. While general information can be helpful, suitability and outcomes vary from person to person, which is why a comprehensive eye assessment remains an important first step.
Myth #1: Laser Eye Surgery Is Painful
The Reality: Most Patients Experience Minimal Discomfort
The idea of having laser treatment on your eyes can understandably sound uncomfortable, but modern laser eye surgery is performed using anaesthetic eye drops that numb the surface of the eye. For LASIK at Perth Laser Vision, patients remain awake during the procedure and may also receive a light sedative beforehand.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment. After surgery, the experience can vary depending on the procedure. LASIK generally has a fast recovery, while people having SMILE may notice some mild irritation or watery eyes initially. PRK involves a longer healing period because the surface layer of the cornea needs time to recover.
Myth #2: Laser Eye Surgery Is Unsafe
The Reality: Safety Starts With Careful Screening and Patient Selection
So, is laser eye surgery safe? Safety depends on appropriate patient selection, careful treatment planning and the procedure being suitable for the individual. Like any surgical procedure, laser eye surgery also carries potential risks and side effects that should be discussed before treatment.
Safety begins well before the laser is used. At Perth Laser Vision, a comprehensive assessment considers factors such as prescription stability, corneal characteristics, overall eye health and medical history to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Technology also plays an important role. During LASIK, Perth Laser Vision’s eye-tracking system monitors the position of the eye more than 1,000 times per second, helping the laser respond to small eye movements during treatment.
Surgeon experience also matters when assessing suitability, choosing between procedures and planning treatment around the individual characteristics of the patient’s eyes.
Myth #3: Everyone Can Have LASIK
The Reality: Treatment Is Tailored to the Individual
LASIK may be suitable for many people, but it is not an option for everyone. A person’s prescription is only one part of the decision.
Before recommending treatment, factors such as corneal thickness and shape, prescription stability, overall eye health and lifestyle need to be considered. Certain eye conditions, previous eye surgery, medical history or activities that increase the risk of eye trauma may also influence which procedure is most appropriate.
These findings help determine whether LASIK is appropriate or whether another procedure, such as SMILE or PRK, may be considered instead.
Myth #4: LASIK Is the Only Type of Laser Eye Surgery
Understanding the Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery
LASIK is one of the best-known forms of laser vision correction, but it is not the only option. Different procedures use different techniques to reshape the cornea, and the most suitable treatment depends on factors such as corneal shape and thickness, prescription, eye health and lifestyle.
LASIK
LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin corneal flap. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue before the flap is repositioned. For suitable patients considering LASIK surgery in Perth, the procedure can offer relatively fast visual recovery.
SMILE
SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue, called a lenticule, which is removed through an incision of around 2–3 mm. Unlike LASIK, it does not require a corneal flap. SMILE eye surgery in Perth may be considered for suitable patients with short-sightedness, including some people with moderate to high myopia.
PRK
PRK is a surface-based laser treatment that does not create a corneal flap. The surface layer of the cornea is removed before an excimer laser reshapes the tissue beneath it. PRK eye surgery in Perth may be considered for some people with thinner or irregular corneas or lifestyles where eye trauma is more likely.
Myth #5: Results Only Last a Few Years
The Reality: Laser Correction Does Not Stop Natural Ageing Changes
Laser eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea to change the way light is focused by the eye. The correction does not prevent the eyes from undergoing other natural changes later in life.
Your eyes can continue to change naturally as you get older. One example is presbyopia, an age-related change that occurs as the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Because presbyopia affects the natural lens rather than the cornea, developing difficulty with near vision later in life does not necessarily mean the original laser correction has simply worn off.
Some people may still need reading glasses or other vision correction later in life. Setting realistic expectations before treatment is important, which is why age, prescription and longer-term vision needs are considered during assessment.
Myth #6: Recovery Takes a Long Time
The Reality: Many Patients Return to Normal Activities Quickly
Recovery after laser eye surgery varies depending on the procedure and the individual, and some treatments involve a faster recovery than others.
With LASIK, many people can return to normal work duties around two days after surgery, although people working in dusty environments or manual occupations may need additional time. SMILE also generally has a relatively quick recovery, with clearer vision often developing within a day or two. PRK takes longer to heal because the surface layer of the cornea needs time to regenerate.
Following post-operative instructions and attending scheduled follow-up appointments are important parts of recovery. Your surgeon can provide guidance based on your procedure, occupation and how your eyes are healing.
Myth #7: Laser Eye Surgery Is Only for Severe Vision Problems
The Reality: Laser Eye Surgery Can Treat Different Types of Refractive Error
Laser eye surgery is not reserved only for people with very strong prescriptions. Depending on the procedure and the individual, treatment may be used to correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Whether treatment is suitable is not determined simply by whether a prescription seems mild or severe. The type and degree of refractive error, together with factors such as corneal characteristics, prescription stability and overall eye health, help determine whether laser correction is appropriate.
A mild or strong prescription alone therefore does not determine whether someone is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery.
How Perth Laser Vision Helps Patients Make Informed Decisions
Choosing the right treatment starts with understanding whether laser eye surgery is suitable in the first place. At Perth Laser Vision, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment that considers their prescription, corneal shape and thickness, overall eye health, medical history and lifestyle before a recommendation is made.
Perth Laser Vision was established by Dr Phillip McGeorge, MBBS, FRACS, FRANZCO, in 1997. Dr McGeorge has performed more than 30,000 laser eye procedures and has experience across treatments including LASIK, SMILE and PRK.
Treatment planning can also incorporate technologies such as SightMap and Contoura, using detailed measurements of the eye and corneal shape to support personalised treatment.
The findings from the assessment are then used to determine whether treatment is appropriate and which procedure best suits the patient’s eyes, prescription and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Laser Eye Surgery Myths Hold You Back
Many common laser eye surgery myths come from outdated information or misunderstandings about how treatment works. LASIK, SMILE and PRK use different approaches, and the right option depends on the individual rather than a single procedure being suitable for everyone. Relying on professional advice and a comprehensive eye assessment can help you understand what is realistic for your own vision.
For appropriately selected patients, laser eye surgery may provide a way to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive assessment is the best way to understand which options, if any, are suitable for your eyes and what you can realistically expect from treatment.
Find Out Whether Laser Eye Surgery Is Right for You
Wondering whether laser eye surgery is right for you? Book a consultation with Perth Laser Vision for a comprehensive eye assessment with Dr Phillip McGeorge and the clinical team. We can explain the available options and determine which treatment, if any, is appropriate for your eyes and vision needs.
