Laser refractive surgery is attracting more and more people who want to free themselves from their glasses or contact lenses.
But despite its proven effectiveness, many preconceived ideas and apprehensions persist: fear of being in pain, that the operation will be a failure, or of having to spend the whole day at the clinic...
In this article, we untangle the truth from the false. Here are the most common fears surrounding refractive surgery... and the medical reality behind these beliefs.
Fear #1: "What if I have pain during the operation?"
Fear:
Many patients fear that refractive surgery will be painful, that the laser will "burn" or that they will feel pain during the procedure.
Reality:
The good news is that refractive surgery is painless.
Before the operation, an anaesthetic eye drop is applied to completely numb the surface of the eye. Some tingling may be felt, and the instrument that prevents blinking (the eyelid retractor) can sometimes cause a little discomfort in the event of "twitching", but no pain.
The procedure lasts an average of 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes: fast, precise and totally controlled.
Fear #2: "What if I move or blink during the operation?"
Fear:
"I'm stressed, I'm afraid to move my eye and the laser will 'slip'."
Reality:
Impossible! Because, quite simply, you won't be able to blink thanks to the "eyelid retractor".
What's more, modern lasers feature an eye-tracker, an ultra-precise eye-tracking system. It detects the slightest eye movement in real time and adjusts the beam automatically. If you move, the laser stops instantly.
So you're safe, even if your gaze isn't perfectly fixed.
Fear #3: "What if the result isn't perfect?"
Fear:
"What if I still have to wear glasses after all this?"
Reality:
Most patients regain clear vision without correction, often the very next day. But every eye is unique: the quality of the result depends on the initial correction, age and healing.
This is why a complete pre-operative assessment is essential: it enables us to adapt the technique (LASIK, SMILE, Trans-PRK...) to your needs.
If necessary, a touch-up can be considered a few months later, but this is rare and always under medical supervision.
Fear #4: "What if I go blind?"
Fear:
The fear of going blind after refractive surgery is a very common one, but completely unfounded.
Reality:
The risk of vision loss is extremely low.
The equipment used is highly secure and validated by the health authorities.
In a specialized center, with an experienced surgeon , refractive surgery is one of the safest procedures in ophthalmology.
Fear n°5: "What if the effect doesn't last?"
Fear:
"What if my myopia comes back in a few years?"
Reality:
Once the cornea has been reshaped, the correction remains stable over time.
Only natural age-related changes (such as presbyopia) can alter vision at a later stage. In other words, the treated visual defect does not return. You enjoy clear, stable vision for the long term.
Fear #6: "What if I can't do anything for days after surgery?"
Fear:
"How long will I be immobilized?"
Reality:
No endless convalescence!
- After LASIK, vision is often clear the very next day, and you can get back to work very quickly.
- After Trans-PRK, allow a few days for complete healing.
Fear n°7: "I'll have to stay at the clinic all day".
Not at all!
Refractive surgery is an outpatient procedure.
You arrive the same day, are cared for for a total of around 1 to 2 hours, and then leave for home a few minutes after the operation.
Time on site includes :
- reception and file verification,
- preparation (local anesthesia using eye drops),
- the procedure (a few minutes per eye),
- a post-operative check-up before your departure.
You don't need to stay the whole day, and you don't need to be hospitalized.
You simply need to bring someone with you on the way back, as your vision may still be a little blurred on the day.
Today, refractive surgery is a safe, fast and precise procedure that transforms the quality of life of thousands of people every year. Fears are natural, but the medical reality is far more reassuring.
The most important thing is to ask your ophthalmologist any questions you may have, and to carry out a complete pre-operative check-up.
It's the best way to dispel any doubts you may have and get back to seeing clearly, without glasses.
⚠️ Important: Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure that must be carefully considered. It is not suitable for everyone, and a full assessment with a specialist is essential to determine whether you are eligible for refractive surgery and thus guarantee your safety.
The CNVO Center can be reached by telephone on 024 552 04 00.
