Tampa Bay Area Eye Doctor Discusses the Myths and Facts of LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

Dr. Michael Manning of Gulfcoast Eye Care says there are a variety of tall tales surrounding one of the most popular eye treatments available – and he wants to set the record straight.

Tampa Bay, FL – Laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK are popular treatments for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The procedures have been performed since the late 1980s, and have steadily gained popularity ever since. However, Dr. Michael Manning of Gulfcoast Eye Care says a number of myths and falsehoods have continued to plague discussions of these treatments. The Tampa area LASIK surgeon says it’s important for individuals considering laser vision correction to know the facts before having the procedure.

Dr. Manning says one of the most prevalent myths regarding LASIK is that it doesn’t really matter where you have the procedure performed because the laser is the one doing all the work. “LASIK and other laser vision correction options are merely tools utilized to performed the procedure. There are delicate surgical techniques that are necessary for these procedures, including the creation of the corneal flap.” Dr. Manning says that doing research and finding an experienced LASIK surgeon who provides thorough pre- and post-operative care is essential to increasing the chances of successful results. He notes that “discount centers” that may not be adequately focused on screening and overall care should be approached with heavy caution.

Another common myth regarding LASIK is that it is guaranteed to rid patients of the need for corrective eyewear. Dr. Manning advises that, although LASIK is designed to significantly reduce a person’s reliance on glasses and contacts, total elimination of that reliance will depend on the individual’s needs. “The severity of the patient’s original vision problems, the patient’s age, and other factors will all play a role as to whether he or she can see perfectly clearly for an extended period.” He says the pre-surgical screening should give the ophthalmologist an idea of the potential results, and he or she can talk about that with the patient before the treatment.

It’s also been said that laser vision correction procedures commonly cause side effects such as dry eyes or night glare. Dr. Manning says, while there are inherent risks to any type of surgical procedure, the complication rate for LASIK has been very, very low, and that patients who are at a higher risk for complications are typically identified in the initial vision exam.

Dr. Manning says those are just a few of the many LASIK myths he’s heard over the years, and even with the procedure’s decades of success, falsehoods about laser vision correction linger on. He says the most important thing is for individuals to do comprehensive research, never be afraid to ask questions, and find an ophthalmologist who has proven experience to perform the procedure. “You never want to take chances with the health of your eyes and vision!”

About Michael H. Manning, MD, FACS

Dr. Manning is a board-certified ophthalmologist. He is a graduate of the University of South Florida College of Medicine, and served as Chief Resident during his Ophthalmology Residency Training program at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Manning is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and maintains membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and many other organizations.

Dr. Manning is available for interview upon request.

The practice can be reached online at gulfcoasteyecare.com and facebook.com/gulfcoasteyecare.

Contact:

Gulfcoast Eye Care

Palm Harbor Office
2650 Tampa Rd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Pinellas Park Office
6036 Park Blvd.
Pinellas Park, FL 33781

(727) 346-8696