Is LASIK Safe?
When patients at Skyline LASIK are considering LASIK, their primary concerns often revolve around the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. We welcome all questions and are committed to providing comprehensive information to ensure our patients feel confident and well-informed about their vision decisions.
Understanding LASIK Safety Concerns
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in discussions around LASIK complications. This has led to some patients questioning the safety of this popular procedure. While it’s important to acknowledge that no surgical procedure is without risk, it’s equally crucial to understand the context and facts surrounding LASIK.
The Reality of LASIK Safety and Success Rates
LASIK is one of the most studied and performed elective procedures in the world. Over 20 million LASIK procedures have been performed globally, with a satisfaction rate exceeding 95%.1 Complications are rare, and when they do occur, they are often minor and treatable. Studies have shown that the overall complication rate is less than one percent, reflecting the procedure’s high safety profile.2
Is LASIK Safe?
LASIK is widely considered a safe procedure with a low rate of complications.3 Some of the most common side effects, such as dry eye or glare, are usually temporary and resolve within a few weeks. Serious complications are extremely rare, and the majority of patients experience significant improvements in their vision without any long-term issues.
Maximizing Your Chances of a Successful LASIK Surgery
Several factors can enhance the likelihood of a successful LASIK outcome:4
- Selecting a highly experienced LASIK surgeon.
- Choosing an eye center with advanced technology and a strong reputation.
- Avoiding surgeons who offer deals that seem too good to be true.
- Following all instructions provided and attending follow-up appointments.
The key is determining whether LASIK is appropriate for you. At Skyline LASIK, we prioritize patient safety by thoroughly evaluating each candidate. If risk factors make LASIK less suitable for you, our doctors will recommend alternative vision correction options, such as PRK, Visian ICL, or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).
Advancements in LASIK Technology
Since its FDA approval in 1999, LASIK has seen significant technological advancements.5 Modern LASIK procedures often use a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, eliminating the need for a blade. Innovations like eye-tracking technology and customizable wavefront-guided lasers have further enhanced the precision and safety of LASIK.
Life-Changing LASIK Results
LASIK boasts one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings among elective procedures in the United States.6 Research indicates that nearly 100% of patients who underwent LASIK achieved 20/20 vision or better.7
Understanding the Risks and Complications
While the benefits of LASIK greatly outweigh the potential risks, it’s important to be aware of potential complications. These can include:
- Dry Eyes: This is the most common side effect, usually temporary and treatable with eye drops.
- Glare and Halos: Some patients experience glare or halos around lights, particularly at night. These symptoms typically improve over time.
- Under-Corrections or Over-Corrections: In some cases, the desired vision correction may not be achieved, potentially requiring a second procedure.
- Flap Complications: Issues with the corneal flap created during surgery are rare but can occur, usually treatable with additional care.
Supporting Our Patients
We encourage our patients to seek accurate information and discuss any concerns directly with their eye care professionals. If you encounter negative reviews or comments about LASIK online, approach them critically. Engaging with misinformation can amplify its reach. Instead, focus on obtaining reliable information from trusted medical sources and professionals.
Contact Skyline LASIK
LASIK remains a safe and effective option for vision correction for millions of people worldwide. While complications can occur, they are rare and typically manageable. At Skyline LASIK, we are committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring that our patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their eye health. If you have any questions or concerns about LASIK, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to help you see the world more clearly and confidently.
1 StatPearls. Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555970/. Accessed June 6, 2024.
2 American Refractive Surgery Council. Is LASIK Safe? What You Need to Know. Available at: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/lasik-safe-need-know/. Accessed April 12, 2024. 5 CDC. Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/fast-facts.html#. Accessed June 6, 2024.
3 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Long Term Follow-Up Safety and Effectiveness of Myopia Refractive Surgery. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7727822/. Accessed June 6, 2024.
4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What are the risks and how can I find the right doctor for me? Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-are-risks-and-how-can-i-find-right-doctor-me Accessed June 6, 2024.
5 Clinical Ophthalmology. The 25th Anniversary of Laser Vision Correction in the United States. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7982707/. June 6, 2024.
6 American Refractive Surgery Council. What is the success rate of LASIK? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/laser-eye-surgery-lasik-success-rate/#. Accessed June 6, 2024.
7 Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. Clinical outcomes after topography-guided LASIK: comparing results based on a new topography analysis algorithm with those based on manifest refraction. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8026343/. Accessed June 6, 2024.
