The Results of Laser Eye Surgery Examined
LASIK eye surgery results have continued to improve since the procedure was FDA approved in 1996. Even in 2020, some potential LASIK candidates still ask Is LASIK Safe? LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular elective procedures performed today, and offers many benefits that should improve your overall quality of life. Due to the latest technology and the skills of experienced LASIK surgeons millions of Americans are less dependent on their contact lenses and glasses.
Today, most patients achieve 20/20 vision after LASIK eye surgery, but results are not the same for everyone. In some cases, patients may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses following LASIK eye surgery, however the post-operative prescription and visual acuity level will typically be much lower than prior to having LASIK performed. The surgery has an excellent safety record, but like with any surgery post-operative complications can occur.
A very small percentage of patients may require an enhancement or touch up procedure to improve their vision to the desired level. Additionally, due to presbyopia, some LASIK eye surgery patients may still need reading glasses once they reach middle-age (40 to 50) due to a normal age related loss of near vision. Overall, LASIK eye surgery is safe and has a significantly high success rate, but it is important to discuss and consider all the risks with your surgeon prior to undergoing the LASIK procedure.
Is LASIK Considered Safe by the FDA?
Since 1996, LASIK eye surgery has been approved and considered safe by the FDA.. LASIK has a remarkable success rate, with 96% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better, according to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. LASIK eye surgery is a permanent procedure that corrects vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
LASIK involves using an excimer laser (a cool beam of light) to reshape the cornea in order to decrease or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Normally, your cornea (front part of the eye) focuses light onto the retina (back part of the eye) to create an image. If the cornea is imperfectly shaped or if the eyeball is longer or shorter than normal, a distorted image is projected onto the retina resulting in blurry vision.
During LASIK surgery, the surgeon creates a tiny flap on the surface of the eye and then the excimer laser (cool beam of light) gently reshapes the exposed cornea. Each pulse of the laser removes 39-millionths of an inch of tissue, enabling surgeons to achieve remarkable accuracy while maintaining excellent control throughout the LASIK procedure. The flap is then replaced, adhering naturally and securely to the eye, and you are on your way to better vision.
For decades, the only solution to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism was corrective eyewear, however now LASIK eye surgery offers an alternative option for those who wish to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts.
