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$0*LASIK Surgery Safety: Facts, Risks & Success Rates
Is LASIK Eye Surgery a Safe Procedure?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is one of the most successful and widely performed refractive surgery procedures in the
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LASIK world literature review: quality of life and patient satisfaction
Ophthalmology
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world.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), LASIK eye surgery has helped millions achieve freedom from glasses and contact lenses by correcting nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Studies show that 99.5% of LASIK patients ended up with 20/40 vision or better (good enough for driving without glasses), serious complications are extremely rare, and LASIK has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any
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Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes
Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
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elective procedure.
At Diagnostic Eye Center in Houston, TX, we use the latest ophthalmology advancements and customized technology to ensure success while minimizing the risk of complications to improve our patients’ quality of life.
How Does LASIK Surgery Work?
The LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, to correct
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LASIK
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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refractive errors.
The process involves:
- Using a femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap.
- Reshaping the corneal tissue with an excimer laser to correct vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- Gently repositioning the corneal flap, which naturally heals without stitches.
This safe procedure is quick, taking about 10 minutes per eye, and most patients experience a rapid recovery with minimal discomfort.
Who Is A Good LASIK Candidate?
Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Your eye doctor will evaluate several risk factors to ensure LASIK is safe for you. The ideal LASIK candidates typically:
✔ Have stable vision with no significant vision problems in the last year.
✔ Are over 21 and in good overall
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LASIK Candidate
Harvard Department of Ophthalmology
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eye health.
✔ Do not have thin corneas, glaucoma, severe dry eyes, or other eye diseases.
✔ Are not pregnant or nursing.
✔ Do not have a history of corneal ectasia, an uncommon weakening of the cornea.
If LASIK isn’t suitable, alternative laser vision correction procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) may be better options.
“I had my LASIK procedure done here and am so happy I chose Diagnostic Eye Center! From the initial appointment to the follow-up meetings, everything was perfect. I drove myself to the follow-up appointment the next day! Friendly staff and they made sure I was comfortable and understood everything. Flawless!”
What Are the Risks of LASIK Surgery?
Though LASIK is a safe procedure, no surgical procedure is risk-free. The risks of LASIK
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LASIK eye surgery
Mayo Clinic
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include:
- Dry Eyes: Temporary in most patients, managed with eye drops.
- Halos, Glare, or Double Vision: Some LASIK patients may experience night vision disturbances, which typically improve over time.
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection: In rare cases, additional enhancement surgery may be needed.
- Corneal Flap Complications: Issues like flap dislocation or irregular healing are extremely uncommon.
- Loss of Vision: Severe LASIK complications leading to permanent vision loss are
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Facts About LASIK Complications
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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exceedingly rare.
Long-Term LASIK Safety vs. Contact Lenses
Many people don’t realize that wearing contact lenses carries its own risks, including eye infections, corneal damage, and
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Contact Lens Risks
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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vision loss.
Studies suggest that the risk of complications from long-term contact lens use may be higher than from
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Risk of Lasik Surgery vs Contact Lenses
JAMA
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LASIK eye surgery.
Additionally, LASIK has lasting benefits for active individuals who enjoy contact sports, outdoor activities, or simply want to eliminate their dependence on wearing glasses.
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Is LASIK Right for You?
Choosing to undergo an elective procedure like LASIK surgery is a personal decision. Our experienced LASIK surgeons and ophthalmologists at Diagnostic Eye Center will provide a comprehensive eye care consultation to determine if LASIK is safe and effective for you.
Ready to explore the benefits of LASIK? Contact us to schedule a consultation today to take the next step toward clear vision!
1 Ophthalmology. LASIK world literature review: quality of life and patient satisfaction. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/. Accessed February 7, 2025.
2 Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0886335016302346. Accessed February 7, 2025.
3 Food and Drug Administration (FDA). LASIK. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/surgery-devices/lasik#. Accessed February 7, 2025.
4 Harvard Department of Ophthalmology. LASIK Candidate. https://eye.hms.harvard.edu/book/good-candidate-lasik#. Accessed February 7, 2025.
5 Mayo Clinic. LASIK eye surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774. Accessed February 7, 2025.
6 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Facts About LASIK Complications. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications. Accessed February 7, 2025.
7 Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Contact Lens Risks. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-risks. Accessed February 7, 2025.
8 JAMA. Risk of Lasik Surgery vs Contact Lenses. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/418674. Accessed February 7, 2025.
The doctors at Diagnostic Eye Center have reviewed and approved this content.
