Eye Doctors and LASIK: Trust in Their Trade
So, do eye doctors opt for LASIK? The answer is yes, many do. In fact, studies have shown that eye care professionals are more likely to undergo LASIK surgery than the general public.
Among the different types of eye care professionals, let’s focus on those who know LASIK the best—the LASIK surgeons themselves.
Research shows that LASIK surgeons are nearly 4 times more likely to have a laser vision correction procedure on their own eyes, with the most popular being LASIK.Â
Why Do Eye Doctors Choose LASIK?
What do these LASIK surgeons know that makes them more likely to have LASIK on their own eyes compared to the public? Let’s look at some of the reasons they choose LASIK for themselves.Â
Personal Experience
Having first hand experience with LASIK allows eye doctors to see the before & after of thousands of patients. No one knows the safety & life-changing benefits that patients experience better than the doctors who perform the procedure.
Confidence in Modern Technology
There have been continuous advancements in LASIK technology that have significantly increased its safety and effectiveness over the past 30 years.
Eye doctors know that with modern diagnostic technology that the safety & effectiveness is higher than ever before.
Understanding the Alternatives
Eye doctors know the risks and environmental impact of contact lenses.
Contact lenses are one of the most common causes of permanent vision loss in young adults. Studies have consistently shown that infection rates from soft contact lenses are significantly higher than LASIK.
Other facts about contact lenses from the CDC’s website:
- One out of every 500 contact lens users per year are affected by a serious eye infection that can lead to blindness.
- Poor contact lens hygiene & care practices have been linked to serious eye infections
- It’s estimated that 40%-90% of contact lens wearers do not properly follow the care instructions for their contact lenses
- Corneal infections and inflammation from improper contact lens use results in approximately 1 million doctor and hospital visits annually, at a cost of $175 million to the US healthcare system
Professional and Lifestyle Benefits
Like their patients, eye doctors appreciate the convenience of life without corrective lenses. Whether it’s for daily activities or in a professional capacity, being free from glasses or contact lenses can be liberating.
Doctors know that people with demanding vision needs such as professional athletes regularly choose to have LASIK. This includes some of the most famous athletes whose vision is worth millions of dollars, such as Lebron James, Tiger Woods, and many more.
Eye Doctors Also Recommend LASIK for Their Family
LASIK surgeons don’t only have it themselves. They also recommended it for their family and friends. Research shows that nearly 99% of LASIK surgeons recommend LASIK to adult members of their immediate family who are good candidates for it.
Conclusion
The fact that a significant number of eye doctors opt for LASIK on their own eyes speaks volumes about their confidence in the procedure. Their unique perspective as both practitioners and patients provides a compelling endorsement for LASIK.
However, it’s crucial to remember that individual suitability for LASIK varies, and LASIK is not the best option for everyone. A thorough consultation with an eye care professional who is knowledgeable about all of your vision correction options is essential before making a decision.
For patients interested in freedom from glasses and contacts, there are more options then ever. These include a variety of laser vision correction procedures, EVO ICL, and Custom Lens Replacement.
As we continue to witness advancements in vision correction technology and techniques, the trust and confidence in this procedure are likely to grow, not just among patients but within the community of eye care professionals as well.
