Exposing the Biggest Myths of Laser Eye Surgery

Baptist Eye Surgeons • December 27, 2017

A black and white photo of a man wearing a hat and sunglasses.There is so much chatter on television and online about laser eye surgery (LASIK or PRK) that it’s sometimes hard to figure out what and who to believe (especially if that “who” is asking for your money). Here our some of the “myths” we’ve heard ourselves and the truth that negates them.

Myth #1: If you wear glasses or contacts, you’re automatically a candidate for laser eye surgery.

Although everyone who undergoes laser eye surgery has been prescribed glasses or contacts at one point or another, not everyone who wears them qualifies for laser eye surgery. We don’t recommend laser eye surgery for patients with thin or irregular corneas, those with eye diseases or viruses, or anyone experiencing major health problems (like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases).

Myth #2: Laser eye surgery is painful.

Laser eye surgery is a procedure during which a laser literally reshapes your eye’s cornea to improve its focus. While this may certainly sound painful, rest-assured, it’s not. Anesthetic eye drops are applied beforehand to numb the eye. When the numbness wears off, you may experience little discomfort (like a gritty sensation) for a few hours, but it should not be painful and nothing a normal dose of aspirin or ibuprofen wouldn’t immediately relieve.

Myth #3: Laser eye surgery can burn your eyes and blind you.

This myth is actually two rolled into one. The first misconception is that the laser used in laser eye surgery is hot. Surprisingly enough, it’s actually cold and will not burn your eye.

The second misconception is that you can be blinded by laser eye surgery. While this is possible, the risk is very small. There is always a risk with any procedure. It is very important to have a discussion with your surgeon regarding the risks particularly in your situation.

Like with any surgical procedure (no matter how minimal), there’s always the risk of a complication. Although laser eye surgery complications are rare, your eye surgeon will help you assess your unique risks as you determine whether or not laser eye surgery is for you. Learn more about how safe laser eye surgery is in our blog post, Is LASIK Safe?.

Myth #4: Laser eye surgery will give you perfect vision for the rest of your life.

Unfortunately, laser eye surgery is not a permanent solution to imperfect vision. With or without laser eye surgery, your vision will change over time as your eyes age. Sometimes these changes may require another round of laser eye surgery, but in most cases a pair of reading or prescription driving glasses will suffice. Even if you have great vision after your laser eye surgery, you should still continue your routine eye exams with your ophthalmologist to maintain good eye health.

Myth #5: It’s important to shop around so you can find the best deal on laser eye surgery.

We won’t argue with shopping around until you find the right eye surgeon for you, but we will draw the line at scouring advertisements for the best laser eye surgery deal. Be wary of practices who advertise incredibly low or discounted prices. As the old saying goes, “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.” While paying $499, $299, or even $99 per eye may sound like a great deal, you could be putting yourself at a disadvantage in the long run.

Read: Why Cheap Laser Surgery is Bad for Your Eyes & Your Wallet

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, stop by our office in Knoxville or Morristown for a free consultation with one of our trusted eye surgeons. You can schedule your appointment over-the-phone by calling 865-579-3920 or by filling out this online form and we’ll follow up with a call and available times.

A poster that says what could you see with perfect vision

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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