Should I have LASIK?
Your eye laser procedure needs to be as individual and unique as you are. Your decision on when and where you have your eyes improved needs to be just as individualized. In this post, I’ll answer the question, “Should I have LASIK laser eye surgery?”
Why I Chose LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
I had been a successful contact lens wearer for many years, but when I moved to Colorado I started to notice that my eyes had some irritation after using my eyes all day.
In addition, as an eye doctor I had seen many of my patients develop serious complications from their contact lenses. Sight threatening corneal infections and permanent scars are dangerous complications of contact lenses.
Many of these patients were actually much more careful and fastidious about their contact lenses than me. I was risking my eyes by leaving my contact lenses in overnight. I knew that LASIK could free me from the risks, hassles, and expense of contact lenses.
Don’t Feed the Bears!
The final straw in my decision to have LASIK laser surgery came while staying at a cabin up in the mountains. I had removed my contacts for the night and then realized I had left my phone outside in the car.
On the way to the car I noticed a large bear wandering down the road in my general direction. He was in the middle of the road and in the light of a full moon so I could see him even without my contacts. I didn’t think much of it and jumped into the car and made a call with my phone.
After finishing the call I left the car and started towards the cabin. I paused to confirm the location of the bear. I stared into the shadows on the porch, squinting and straining, definitely not wanting to trap the bear on the porch if he was there. It was not use. Without my contacts, I couldn’t see the bear in the dim light.
I stood there for a long time. The longer I stood there, the more I realized how ridiculous my predicament. I didn’t have to live like this. I was so “blind” I couldn’t even see a bear!
I could have my eyes fixed and get rid of my disability! I had more chance of being eaten by a bear or run over by a bus than having a problem from LASIK and I knew it.
That night I decided to have LASIK.
Why Choose Laser Eye Surgery?
I have heard many good reasons over the years. Some want to change the way they look by removing their glasses or the red lines in their eyes. Some want to improve the way their eyes feel because they suffer from their contacts.
Many are worried about what will happen if they are ever caught without their glasses like having to find a child in an emergency. First responders and hunters worry what will happen if their glasses fog or their contacts slip at a dangerous or important moment.
Many are tired of dust and wind robbing their vision just when they need it most. There are many that want the better quality vision that many find from LASIK laser eye procedures.
Finally, some just desire to be the best that they can be and view curing their visual disabilities as a good way to improve their overall health and wellness. In the end, you can spend your money on many different things, but the only way to really spend money on yourself is to spend it literally on you rather than your material things.
Should I Get laser eye surgery with LASIK?
Laser eye surgery is not the right choice for everyone. Some have problems laser can’t solve while others have poor eye health that would make laser unwise. I would recommend that you see a high quality laser eye surgeon to find out your specific risk profile.
You then need to consider how much LASIK would improve your life. If your risks are low and your motivation for improving your eyes is high then you will probably decide laser eye surgery is a great decision for you.
Whether you are chased in by a bear or simply can’t bear to wear your glasses or contacts another day, if I can help you with your individual decision, please schedule a time to meet with me at my office or drop me a note.