Let's Talk About Fear
By: Damaris Villalva Cruz | Marketing Manager
There are many reasons why people hesitate to have a laser vision procedure. The number one reason patients don’t get LASIK is FEAR. There tends to be a lot of hesitation because some patients feel that they may not have all the information needed to make this decision. Even if they have thought about getting a procedure for years, fear may be the only thing getting in the way of taking the next step. At Vision Care Connect, we want to make sure all of our patients have the information they need to take the next step towards clear vision. When talking with our patients, we have learned that the main fear factors are the price, results, wearing out, and the actual surgery.
Fear that it’s Not Affordable
LASIK is more affordable in the long run compared to wearing glasses and contacts. Most glasses wearers will spend at least $15,000 on glasses in their lifetime and contact lens users will spend at least $35,000 on glasses and contacts in their lifetime. The average cost of LASIK in 2020 is $4,200 for both eyes. So LASIK will actually save you money in the long run. When considering LASIK you can choose the financing plan that best suits your budget. There are also other options, such as; holiday specials and FSA/HSA accounts that you can use to save out of pocket money. So, why wait to invest your vision now, in order to save more later?
To learn more about ways to afford LASIK check out this Blog.
Fear of Results
Another concern we see is that some patients feel their eyes may actually be worse than before their procedure. Let us ease your fear.
LASIK is a quick and simple procedure with a quick recovery time and minimal discomfort. Most patients see their vision improve almost immediately. 99 percent of patients are happy with the results of LASIK and for the one percent that aren’t, there are enhancement procedures available. Can you go blind from one of these procedures? According to the FDA, there have never been any cases reported of patients being blinded after having LASIK. All surgeries come with risk, so just like with any surgery, make sure you choose an experienced surgeon that you trust.
Fear that it Will Wear Out Over Time
This is another common concern that we get when a patient is making their decision. Some believe that LASIK wears out over time.
LASIK is permanent. As a result from changes in the lens of the eye, due to aging, rather than from LASIK wearing out, you may need an enhancement procedure. Enhancements can be done years after having LASIK, or you may also be a candidate for a different refractive surgical procedure, such as a cataract removal. Again, make sure you go to an experienced surgeon for any type of refractive procedure.
Fear of the actual surgery
There are also fears of the physical laser while doing the surgery. However, there truly is nothing to fear or to feel anxious about because it is a painless procedure. The laser procedure itself takes less than 1 minute per eye.
Here is how a typical surgery would go, to ease your curiosity:
Before the surgery you will have a final eye exam to ensure correct measurements
Before the procedure begins, eye drops will be used to numb your eyes
The surgeon will use an eye speculum to keep your eyes open and you will be asked to focus on a special fixation light
A surgeon will create a thin flap in order to access the cornea with specialized equipment
Then, the surgeon will use an excimer laser to reshape your cornea. Once your surgeon has reshaped your cornea, the flap previously created is sealed.
Don’t let your fear take over your decision making. Do you have any more questions about the procedure? Or are you ready to start your journey to clear vision? Call us at (615) 434-2541, we are here to answer any questions you may have.
