Top 5 Reasons You Should NOT Have LASIK

Posted by: Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center

Thinking about LASIK surgery to ditch those glasses or contacts for good? While LASIK offers freedom from corrective lenses and boasts high satisfaction rates, it isn’t the right solution for everyone. Here are the top five reasons you should not have LASIK, and instead explore alternatives or simply stick with what you’re using now.

1. You Absolutely LOVE Your Glasses and Contacts

If your glasses are your favorite accessory and you genuinely enjoy the style they add to your look, or you find your contacts comfortable and convenient, LASIK may not be necessary. After all, why fix something that isn’t broken?

However, it’s important to note that continuing with contacts—especially if not worn or maintained properly—can pose greater health risks than LASIK. Misusing contact lenses significantly increases your risk of infections, such as microbial keratitis, which can be serious and vision-threatening. Surprisingly, multiple studies have found that, when used improperly, contacts actually have a higher complication risk than LASIK. So, if you’re sticking with contacts, always follow your eye care professional’s advice closely.

2. You Have Bad Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome affects approximately 30 to 40 million Americans, and many mistakenly think LASIK will inevitably worsen their symptoms. It’s crucial to clarify the situation before ruling LASIK out entirely. Interestingly, some people who think they have “dry eyes” might actually have contact lens overwear keratitis, a condition that improves once contacts are discontinued. Your eye doctor can usually help you differentiate between dry eyes and contact lens overwear.

The good news is that clinical research has shown that dry eye syndrome develops in only 2% of patients who have LASIK. If you already have dry eyes, or you’re still concerned about dryness after LASIK, consider EVO ICL—a lens-based vision correction solution that has not been linked to an increased risk of dry eyes.

3. You Have a High Prescription

The best LASIK surgeons typically recommend LASIK for individuals with mild-to-moderate prescriptions. While top LASIK surgeons can effectively treat mild-to-moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, those with higher prescriptions (greater than -8.00 diopters) may achieve better results with alternative options.

One excellent alternative is EVO ICL, a minimally invasive, reversible procedure that uses a special corrective lens. EVO ICL can provide exceptional visual outcomes even for those with extremely high prescriptions, without using laser or reshaping the front surface of the eye. For those who not only have distance vision, but also near vision problems (presbyopia) a procedure called refractive lens exchange (RLE) may be preferred over LASIK. A consultation would give you the answer as to which procedure is the best fit for you and your eyes.

4. You Expect PERFECT 20/20 Vision

Even the best LASIK centers and top LASIK surgeons will advise that perfection is subjective—and it’s not always guaranteed. LASIK patients often achieve great outcomes, with studies reporting patient satisfaction rates greater than 90%. However, some patients may experience minor side effects such as blurriness, glare, halos, or slightly reduced vision clarity at night.

No medical procedure is entirely risk-free. If your expectations include an absolute guarantee of flawless vision with zero risk of side effects or complications, LASIK may not align with your expectations. Realistic expectations significantly improve patient satisfaction. It’s important to have an open, honest conversation with your surgeon to understand the achievable outcomes and potential risks involved.

5. You Don’t Adapt Well to Adversity

Elective medical procedures, including LASIK, carry potential for complications or prolonged healing. Though severe complications from LASIK are extraordinarily rare—less likely than a serious car accident—it’s essential to mentally prepare for the possibility when deciding on an elective procedure.

Temporary issues might include dryness, fluctuating vision, or mild discomfort lasting weeks or, in rare instances, months. If your life is currently chaotic, stressful, or if you know yourself to be particularly sensitive or resistant to change, consider postponing or avoiding elective procedures like LASIK. Timing is crucial to ensure you can comfortably manage any potential recovery demands.

A Word of Reassurance

While the media occasionally highlights negative LASIK stories—after all, bad news tends to grab attention—the reality is that LASIK remains among the safest and most effective elective surgeries worldwide. Nearly one million people each year choose LASIK or related vision correction procedures, enjoying newfound freedom and significantly improved quality of life.

Success begins with choosing the best LASIK center and surgeon. Opt for top LASIK surgeons with extensive experience, advanced technology, and highly-trained staff. This approach greatly maximizes your chances of a successful outcome, making LASIK a transformative step forward rather than a cause for concern.

Ultimately, whether LASIK is right for you depends on your unique needs, expectations, and eye health. By carefully weighing these top five considerations and consulting with a trusted specialist, you’ll make the best-informed decision for your vision and lifestyle. Looking for more answers? Schedule a consultation at Clear Vision Center, Metro Detroit’s leader in safe LASIK outcomes. Call 248-710-2325 or book online below!