How successful is LASIK?
Posted by: Larson Eye Care in LASIK on December 4, 2019
What is the LASIK success rate?
At Larson Eye Care, the most common questions we receive about LASIK surgery involve how successful it is. For instance, how many patients receive 20/20 vision? How many patients experience complications? And how many patients would recommend the procedure to friends and family?
The LASIK success rate
Thankfully, LASIK is one of the most well understood – and well-studied – surgical procedures, with thousands of studies examining its effects on the human eye. According to the latest research, over 90% of patients who receive LASIK achieve 20/20 vision, and 99.5% of patients achieve better than 20/40 vision — enough to legally drive a car without glasses. Patient satisfaction rates for LASIK unprecedented at 96 percent, which is higher than any other elective procedure.
Complications are rare, and often result from poor patient selection. In other words, patients who are not good candidates for LASIK (whether due to age, eye anatomy, or medical history) are more likely to experience complications than those who are.
Am I a candidate for LASIK?
Prior to receiving LASIK surgery, all prospective patients must receive a comprehensive eye examination to determine whether they’re a candidate. Ideal candidates are older than 18 years old with an eye prescription that hasn’t changed within the last 12 months. In addition, they must meet a number of medical criteria to minimize the risk of complications.
Certain conditions may increase the risk of developing complications following LASIK. These include:
- Large pupils
- Thin corneas
- History of eye injuries or illness
- Dry eyes
- Severe nearsightedness
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV, and other autoimmune disorders
- Family history of keratoconus
Your doctor will examine your eyes and review your medical history to determine whether LASIK is the best choice for you.
What if I’m not a candidate for LASIK?
If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, you may still be a candidate for another refractive procedure, like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). When you come in for your LASIK consultation, our staff will discuss alternatives that will work best with your unique anatomy.
So, is LASIK successful?
Yes! Like all surgical procedures, there are risks inherent in receiving LASIK. However, the vast majority of patients are satisfied with their results, more so than patients of any other elective procedure.
Are you interested in seeing the world more clearly? Contact Larson Eye Care today to schedule a commitment-free LASIK consultation.
