If you’re considering LASIK, your first concern is probably about its safety. This concern is completely understandable, especially when making a decision that affects your vision for years to come. However, many patients are surprised to learn that for the right candidates, LASIK has an excellent safety profile with a very low risk of complications.
Keep reading to learn about LASIK safety, complication rates, and what research shows about this popular vision correction procedure.
How Safe is LASIK?
LASIK has been extensively studied since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it over two decades ago. The research shows that serious complications are rare, and the vast majority of patients are satisfied with their results.
According to the 2016 Modern LASIK Outcomes study, 99.5% of eyes achieved 20/40 vision or better after LASIK. These outcomes reflect decades of refinement in both technique and technology.
The procedure has evolved significantly over the years. A 2017 analysis of FDA data showed that newer lasers have fewer unwanted side effects than older-generation lasers.
This means that if you’re considering LASIK today, you’re benefiting from more advanced technology and improved surgical techniques than patients had access to even a few years ago. The safety record continues to improve as ophthalmologists gain more experience and technology advances.
Are There Potential Side Effects?
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK does have potential side effects. Most are temporary and resolve as your eyes heal.
Common temporary symptoms include eye dryness, scratchiness, glare around lights, halos or starbursts, light sensitivity, and small red patches on the white of the eye. Many patients experience some discomfort or visual changes in the first few days or weeks after surgery.
These effects typically improve within the first few months as your cornea heals and stabilizes. For most patients, any initial side effects fade completely.
However, a small number of patients may experience persistent effects that last longer or become permanent. This is why proper candidacy screening is essential before moving forward with the procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK safety starts with determining if you’re a good candidate. A comprehensive evaluation at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton helps identify whether LASIK is appropriate for your eyes.
Several factors contribute to safe outcomes, including a stable prescription for at least 1 year, sufficient corneal thickness to perform the procedure safely, healthy eyes without conditions such as severe dry eye or glaucoma, and good overall health without autoimmune conditions that affect healing.
The American Refractive Surgery Council provides detailed guidance on candidacy screening to help ensure patients receive appropriate care. Your ophthalmologist will measure your corneal thickness, evaluate your prescription stability, assess your overall eye health, and discuss your lifestyle and vision goals. This thorough evaluation process helps identify factors that may increase your risk or make an alternative procedure, such as PRK or EVO ICL, more suitable.
At Colorado Eye Consultants, the team uses advanced diagnostic technology to create a complete picture of your eye health before recommending any procedure. This careful approach helps ensure that only appropriate candidates move forward with LASIK.
Schedule Your LASIK Consultation Today
LASIK has a strong safety record when performed on appropriate candidates. Modern technology and improved techniques have made the procedure safer than ever, with the vast majority of patients achieving excellent vision outcomes. The key to LASIK safety is starting with a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Ready to learn if LASIK is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO, today to discuss your vision correction options and find out if you’re a candidate for this life-changing procedure.
