How Safe Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
It’s normal to be intimidated by the thought of having surgery on your eyes. But LASIK has a proven track record of safety. At LASIK MD, our surgeons have successfully completed over 2 million procedures, and we also have a 99% satisfaction rate1 amongst our patients.
Below, we discuss why LASIK is a safe and routine medical procedure, and how the benefits of clear vision can transform your life.
LASIK Has a Proven Track Record of Safety
Laser eye surgery can treat common vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances). Most vision problems are caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. LASIK works to correct the refractive error by re-shaping the corneal tissue so the patient can see clearly.
LASIK is widely considered to be one of the safest elective medical procedures available. Some estimates suggest that over 40 million worldwide have undergone LASIK eye surgery. For most patients, the recovery from LASIK is quick while the risk of complications is low.
For most patients, the recovery from LASIK is quick while the risk of complications is low.
In fact, LASIK is safer than wearing contact lenses, which carries a higher risk of infection due to improper cleaning and wearing habits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every 1 in 100 contact wearers develops an infection from their lenses. Conversely, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) estimates the risk of infection after LASIK is 0.09%.2 However, at LASIK MD, our infection rate over the last decade has been 0.01%,3 which is even lower than the ASCRS report.
LASIK MD Uses the Best Technology Available
LASIK technology has been around for decades, and new advancements are constantly being made. At LASIK MD, we use the highest standard of LASIK technology available to offer our patients the best visual results possible.
At LASIK MD, we use the highest standard of LASIK technology available to offer our patients the best visual results possible.
Not only do we offer Standard LASIK, but our surgeons also specialize in Custom Wavefront LASIK, which uses topography-guided technology to better customize the procedure to the patient’s visual needs. Custom Wavefront LASIK can be a good option for patients with higher prescriptions, larger pupils, or corneas that are thinner‑than‑average.
Additionally, we also perform All‑Laser LASIK, which uses a laser to create the corneal flap instead of a microkeratome. Patients can combine this technology with either Standard or Custom Wavefront LASIK.
By freeing you from the inconveniences of glasses and contact lenses, LASIK can make your everyday life easier. Don’t wait to experience the benefits of clear vision. Book a consultation with LASIK MD to get started. Our clinical staff will be with you every step of the way to answer your questions about LASIK, including its safety and the different technology available. Book your free consult today.
199% figure taken from internal Patient Satisfaction survey results
2Solomon R, Donnenfeld ED, Holland EJ, Yoo SH, Daya S, Güell JL, Mah FS, Scoper SV, Kim T. Microbial keratitis trends following refractive surgery: Results of the ASCRS Infectious keratitis survey and comparisons with prior ASCRS surveys of infectious keratitis following keratorefractive procedures. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2011;37(7):1343-50.
3LASIK MD, "10 Years Internal Data," 2012-2022.