Laser vision correction surgery has been around for decades. During that time, the technology has improved greatly, reducing the chances of side effects and making faster recovery possible.

Laser correction surgery can work wonders for people who are tired of wearing glasses or contacts, but sadly, some people still avoid the surgery because they've heard some misconceptions about it. Here's a look at those misconceptions and the truth that they've been masking.

Misconception:There's a high risk of side effects from laser surgery.

Everyone seems to know someone who knows someone who had terrible side effects from laser eye surgery. However, a lot of this is hearsay or exaggeration. The risk of complications from laser eye surgery is very low. Some people do experience ongoing eye dryness or light sensitivity after the surgery, but even these minor side effects are rarely permanent.

The other major issue that can arise is undercorrection. This happens when your surgeon does not remove enough tissue from your eye, and your vision does not improve as much as you'd hope. While this problem is annoying, it can easily be corrected with a second procedure.

Certain people are at an increased risk of side effects after laser surgery. These people include those with autoimmune disorders or a weakened immune system. However, if you have one of these conditions and your eye doctor feels your risk of side effects is too high, you won't be permitted to undergo the surgery.

Misconception: Laser surgery is painful.

The idea of having someone reshape your cornea with a laser is a bit intimidating. However, the process is completely painless since your eye doctor will put numbing eye drops in your eyes before they begin. Afterwards, your eyes may itchy a little, but they won't actually hurt. If you have a more invasive type of laser surgery, like PRK, this itching may last a week or more, but for most procedures, it is gone within a day or less.

Misconception: It's not worth getting laser eye surgery because you'll eventually need reading glasses.

Most people who get laser vision correction surgery do eventually need reading glasses when they reach retirement age. However, there's a very good chance they would have needed reading glasses at that age even if they were not to have undergone surgery. Ask yourself what is better: wearing reading glasses from the age of 50 onward or continuing to wear glasses for the rest of your life.

To learn more about laser eye surgery, talk to a surgeon at a clinic like Cornea Consultants of Nashville. You'll likely find the procedure is a lot safer and simpler than you think.