Is LASIK Safe? What You Need to Know About LASIK Surgery Safety.

Many people are familiar with the term LASIK surgery. It is a sight correction surgery done with the intent to correct poor vision at the source, rather than disguise poor vision symptoms with glasses or contacts. Millions of Americans have undergone LASIK surgery since it was approved by the FDA in the 1990s. 

What is LASIK Surgery?

So, what exactly is done during the LASIK procedure? LASIK, which stands for laser in situ keratomileusis, is a two-step procedure that involves making a micron-thin, circular flap on the surface of the eye. This is then lifted so that the surgeon can use an excimer laser to permanently remove the microscopic tissue pieces creating the vision issues. After the procedure is complete, the flap is replaced where it bonds quickly and rapidly heals. 

The actual procedure takes a matter of minutes and most patients do not feel pain, though they will experience a pressure sensation as suction is utilized to increase the eye pressure during the procedure.

Does LASIK Hurt?

LASIK eye surgery is mostly painless due to numbing drops used to anesthetize the eyes before the surgery. Some pressure can be felt due to an increase in eye pressure. After the procedure, some patients experience mild discomfort that usually lasts no more than a few hours.

Is LASIK Safe?

Many people who are interested in undergoing LASIK are interested in learning about the safety of the procedure. They are normally very happily surprised to learn that LASIK has been extensively studied, with more than 7,000 clinical studies having been conducted, and that data overwhelmingly show it is safe and effective. These studies show it also has more than a 96% patient satisfaction rate from patients who have elected to partake in LASIK.

What are the Risks of LASIK?

Everything in life from cooking in the kitchen to driving a car involves some risk, and the same is true of LASIK. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has declared LASIK safe and effective for most people. Of the 14 million Americans who have had LASIK since the 90s, experienced surgeons have reported a less than 3% complication rate. Those complications were mostly related to quality of vision issues such as dry eyes and reduced night vision – not loss of vision – and even these have been significantly reduced by advances in laser technology. Confirming if you are a good candidate in the first place is the best assurance you will have a successful outcome.

Will LASIK Work for me?

Most people over age 18 suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can be helped.  Most of Dr. Lipstock’s patients can’t believe that they’ll actually achieve 20/20 without lenses – until they open their eyes after the procedure. This is a genuine case of ‘seeing is believing. In fact, a recent review of Dr. Lipstock`s patients age 18 to 40 with up to -6.00 diopters of nearsightedness (a high amount) showed this result: 99% 20/20 or better and 83% 20/15!  

Some physical or medical factors such as corneal thickness, or abnormal corneal shape and particular forms of diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma may rule someone out as a LASIK candidate. The only way to know for sure if LASIK is the answer to your poor vision is by having a full and comprehensive LASIK examination.

How do you Choose the Best LASIK Doctor?

This is definitely the most important question of all. Although LASIK is marketed as a commodity, it is a medical procedure, and the skill of the surgeon and the surgeon’s team and technology used are very significant factors.  But it is equally important to look for a local surgeon who will personally oversee every step of the procedure and take the time to answer all of your questions and always be there for you should the need arise. You will not find this at corporate LASIK centers where their surgeons don`t even live in Virginia. 

Find a local center where you feel at ease with the surgeon and their staff and that you’re being treated with the respect and care you deserve. Find a center where their results match the results of Dr. Lipstock’s as stated above. These results are updated and posted every week at Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center. Such results will be difficult to find anywhere else. 

To find out conclusively whether or not Laser Vision Correction is right for you, schedule your free LASIK Consultation.