How Safe is LASIK Eye Surgery?

If you are considering vision correction, you have most likely encountered LASIK. This popular form of laser eye surgery was approved by the FDA over 30 years ago, and since then, it has been used to give millions of people better vision and less need for corrective lenses. While all procedures have risks, LASIK is widely regarded as an extremely safe and effective treatment. 

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of laser eye surgery used to correct refractive errors (astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness). It was the first FDA-approved form of laser eye surgery and remains widely popular, although you now have many excellent choices for vision correction. LASIK works by changing the shape of your cornea, the clear protective structure at the front of your eye that helps focus light. As a result, your brain receives a clear image of the world. 

How Safe is LASIK?

Questioning the safety of any procedure is entirely understandable. Fortunately, LASIK comes with a vast collection of research and successful procedures to demonstrate its overall safety and low risk. Research has indicated that nearly 99% of patients are pleased with their LASIK results, with only about 1% experiencing concerns. The most common concerns associated with LASIK are:

• Haloes or glare around lights, sometimes causing problems with night vision
• Worsening of dry eye problems
• Needing to continue using corrective lenses

All three of these concerns can often be prevented by seeing an experienced eye surgeon for a full examination. Your eye surgeon will determine whether LASIK is the best option for you. 

LASIK is not the safest option for some people. People with abnormal or weak corneas will usually be recommended for a different treatment. If you have dry eye problems, LASIK is also not recommended. Having an eye surgeon determine whether you fall into the range of prescriptions LASIK will increase your chances of good results. 

How Does LASIK Work?

During LASIK, your eyes are numbed before a device is used to hold your eyelid open. A laser is used to create a flap in the surface layer (epithelium) of your cornea. It then uses a different laser to remove thin layers of the cornea until it achieves a shape that can focus light correctly. The entire process can take as little as ten to fifteen minutes. Your eye surgeon will replace the flap, and the edges will begin to heal almost immediately. 

What is Recovery Like After LASIK?

You can expect some blurriness, irritation, and light sensitivity, but with the use of your prescribed eye drops, these should improve within a day or two. Most people can see clearly after a few days and return to most of their usual activities. You should avoid swimming, dusty environments, or wearing eye makeup for two weeks. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about LASIK, schedule a consultation with our Heart of Texas Eye Care team, serving Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and other surrounding areas. Contact us at (512) 213-2220 today!

*Individual results may vary