Lasik Surgery: Worth The Risk?

The last flag raised by the Ministry of Health was the concerns of misleading advertisements by Lasik surgery centres that could have mislead the public into unrealistic expectations, with results being oversold and side effects being downplayed. Guidelines would be set in due time, and likely focused on several NOs like advertising the number of success stories or the use of celebrities.

Lasik is so popular nowadays in high myopia countries like Singapore, where about 44% of adults are myopic. And with the lowering of costs through wider consumer adaptation, better technology and coupled with the booming economy, many are queuing to have the cosmetic surgery done. But is it worth the risk? After all, we only have a pair of eyes....

There are many centers touting the best technology and here are some links
Singapore National Eye Centre
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Parkway Eye Centre

But one must evaluate the risks involved before making a decision. Some side effects widely published include Dry Eyes, Over or under-correction, Halos, Light Sensitivity, Astigmatism, Floaters, etc. These side effects are minimal with the improvement of technology, but still they are not covered by any insurance as this is a cosmetic surgery. The question that I always have is if lasik is so good, why are some ophthalmologists still wearing spectacles, just like the other example where some myopic optometrists prefer to wear specs and not contact lenses?

So bottom-line, assess your risk/reward. For some, it may be the worst nightmare. But for many, it is a lifetime of convenience.

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