Most of us think of vision correction when we hear the word “LASIK”. However, for some others, what pops into their heads is significantly less pleasant. Specifically, they think of a scene in the film Final Destination 5.
Without getting too deep into the gory details for those who are squeamish, that scene showed a character getting grave injuries from LASIK going wrong. Eventually she dies (as is the way of characters from that franchise) although it’s technically from gravity, not the botched procedure.
Anyway, that scene may have traumatised a fair number of people into wondering “Is LASIK dangerous?” – which is ironic. You see, LASIK eye surgery is considered one of the safest medical procedures across the globe!
Understanding LASIK surgery
Before we tackle the question of “Is LASIK safe?”, let’s talk about what LASIK is.
LASIK is the acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. There are different types of LASIK, but generally, the cornea’s shape is changed using a small precision laser, which removes microscopic bits of tissue.
The changes to the cornea’s shape change the way it refracts light, just as changing the curvature of a magnifying glass can change what you see through it. With the right reshaping, doctors can achieve impressive improvements to someone’s vision.
Why LASIK is not like what was shown in Final Destination 5
So, is LASIK dangerous? Are you actually likely to experience what Olivia did in Final Destination 5?
There are several reasons the answer to that is no:
1. You’re never alone during the LASIK procedure.
The LASIK surgeon never leaves the room, so you’re always secure in the knowledge that someone else is there with you
2. Your head will not be strapped to the table.
This is because it’s not necessary in LASIK. In fact, all you have to do is hold your head still for 10-20 seconds at a time while the laser is applied to your eye.
3. The laser will stop moving if your eye moves.
This is a safety measure built into the device. The laser continuously tracks your eye movement and shuts of the moment your eye moves out of position.
4. The laser used during LASIK cannot burn through the eye.
The laser is set to remove a certain amount of tissue from the cornea depending on your degree. This amount is usually less than 25% of the thickness of the cornea. So the laser will never burn through your cornea, much less the entire eye.
5. Your eyeball will not fall out after you have LASIK.
Only a small amount of corneal tissue is removed during LASIK – and the cornea is the outermost layer of your eye. The inner parts of the eye are not touched at all. This means the eyeball will never fall out due to this procedure.
In short, LASIK, like other medical procedures, is carried out by trained healthcare professionals who operate in controlled environments. Great care is taken to ensure the safety of the patient.
However, there are still risks like with all medical procedures. If you want to learn more about the actual risks of LASIK, see our article on the matter.
Consult an eye health professional about LASIK today
Ultimately, LASIK is considered a remarkably low-risk procedure for most patients, with none of the spectacularly gory risks seen in the Final Destination film. That’s just one of the reasons it’s worth considering if you have vision problems that it can solve.
Want to talk to an actual LASIK doctor to assuage your concerns about the procedure further? Simply reach out to us – our qualified professionals can not only answer your queries but even guide you in your research about LASIK.
Call us to enquire or book an appointment for a pre-LASIK assessment today!
