LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular elective procedures in the country. If you are looking to undergo the treatment yourself, it’s natural question ‘is the LASIK operation safe’ and wonder ‘how successful is laser eye surgery’. Millions undergo laser eye surgery each and every year, and more than 95% achieve 20/20 vision binocularly following LASIK surgery.
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) has revolutionized vision correction, providing a minimally invasive alternative to glasses and contact lenses. As of 2018, over 9.5 million Americans have undergone LASIK surgery due to its convenience, good results, and high success rate.
So with those stats, it has proven to be a highly effective and safe treatment option for those looking to correct their eyesight.
Continue reading to learn more about the laser eye surgery success rate and the risks that come alongside treatment.
LASIK Eye Surgery Boasts an Impressive 96-98% Patient Satisfaction Rate
More than 95% achieve 20/20 vision binocularly following LASIK surgery. In fact, one study reports that LASIK has an impressive patient success rate between 96-98%! Research indicates LASIK enables:
- 99% of patients to achieve 20/40 vision or better
- 90% of patients to achieve ideal 20/20 vision
- 50% of patients to gain better than 20/20 vision
In addition to excellent success rates, LASIK eye surgery has been determined to have minimal risks and low complication rates or side effects. Current estimates place the complication rate at less than 1%.
While the first days may involve mild irritation and light sensitivity, long-term issues like dry eye or halos are uncommon. When they do occur, symptoms often resolve within 3-6 months.
The most serious complications involve the corneal flap created during surgery. However, with precise laser tools and skilled surgeons, flap issues and related optical problems are very rare.
A good candidate is someone who:
- Is 18+ years of age with stable prescription (over 91% of people have stable prescription at age 18)
- Has a normal cornea shape
- Has low to moderate nearsightedness or farsightedness
- No significant dry eyes
- Is in good health
If you possess these qualities, you can expect to see success when undergoing LASIK eye corrective surgery. If you do not qualify, there may be procedures more suited for you such as:
IQLV is the #1 Center in North America for SMILE and EVO ICL based on experience.
Driving Factors Behind LASIK’s High Success Rates
Several factors account for why LASIK is so successful, including:
- Advanced laser systems
- Precision techniques
- Experienced surgeons.
Additionally, the vast majority of procedures are performed by specially trained ophthalmologists and optometrists with years of surgical experience. Their expertise contributes greatly to LASIK’s impressive outcomes.
Is Laser Operation Safe for Eyes?
As with any treatment, undergoing laser eye surgery does come with its own risks. And while the chances of most problems occurring are minimal, it’s important to stay aware so you can make an informed choice on whether to proceed with surgery. Let’s dive into some of the risks below.
Under-response
This is when your vision is not restored to 20/20 following surgery. If the treatment has resulted in a response, it means that your vision still remains slightly nearsighted or farsighted. You may require a second surgery to enhance your vision.
Over-response
The opposite of an under-response, this is when your treatment corrects your vision too far. If you were nearsighted prior to treatment, you’ll now experience farsightedness.
Aberrations
After undergoing LASIK treatment, you may experience aberrations. This could be in the form of halos, starbursts and double vision and will be more apparent during the night or in times of dim lighting. This usually improves in the first 6 months.
Dry eyes
It is normal for your eyes to feel a little dryer in the first 6 months after the procedure. Fortunately, for most patients it improves back to baseline. In almost all cases the dryness is less than wearing contact lenses.
Corneal ectasia/Keratoconus
This occurs when your cornea is too weak or thin and the tissue is unable to maintain its shape. As a result, you could experience worsened vision. If you have a thick, healthy cornea prior to surgery, the risk of ectasia developing after LASIK is about 1 out of 8000, based on Dr. Lin’s experience of over 60,000 procedures over the last 25 years at IQLV.
Choose A Reliable Clinic & Surgeon
The success of your LASIK treatment commonly comes down to the experience of your surgeon and the technological advancements used. As with any surgery, it’s important to do your research and take advantage of any consultations to ask the right questions. Consider how many treatments they have performed and how long they have been qualified. And if you have any questions such as ‘what is the success rate of LASIK surgery’, they will be able to answer accordingly.
Understanding the technology used is also beneficial. Advancements in technology have made LASIK surgery progressively safer and more precise, increasing the success rate of treatment to the high statistic seen in the United States today.
Is LASIK Surgery Worth It?
Naturally, you’re probably wondering whether laser eye treatment is worth it. If you are otherwise healthy and you’ve seen a consultant who agrees that you are a good candidate for treatment, then the benefits will usually outweigh the risks. The cost is generally affordable when you consider the money saved on glasses and contact lenses, and the majority of patients experience significant improvements to their vision.
Learn More About Safe & Affordable LASIK at IQ Laser Vision
If you are asking the question ‘how safe is LASIK’, you will find the answer here at IQ Laser Vision. With over 60 years in the industry and over 300,000 successful surgeries performed, you are in safe hands at our clinic. Book your free consultation today to learn more about LASIK surgery and discover whether you are a good candidate for treatment.
Given the outstanding safety and success of modern LASIK techniques, affordability remains one of the biggest barriers limiting access for patients. While prices vary, custom options with advanced technology may cost more than standard treatment.
For those concerned about cost, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, insurance and financing options can make LASIK more affordable. The proven results and life-changing conveniences make it well worth the investment for most people. Check out the ongoing expense of glasses and contacts.
Get started today by completing our online enquiry form or call us at 888.539.2211 to speak to an expert. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
