What Kind of LASIK Results Can I Expect?

LASIK, also known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a very popular vision corrective surgery that permanently changes the shape of the cornea using an excimer laser. While every patient is unique, there are certain standards necessary for qualifying as a LASIK candidate. These parameters will help ensure significant correction to refractive errors that include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Good candidate qualifications include prescriptions within a treatable range according to FDA-approved requirements, ocular maturity, prescription stability, overall health including the eyes' health, corneal shape and thickness, and realistic expectations. Because LASIK has a 96% success rate, the kind of results one can expect are a significant improvement in vision as well as reducing or eliminating the need for prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Although most patients deem LASIK eye surgery effective, LASIK does come with possible side effects and complications. Side effects include dry eyes, reduced low-light vision, over-correction or under-correction, decrease in best-corrected vision meaning that around 2% of patients will not see as sharply as they did prior to surgery, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Possible complications include infection, corneal haze, instability of the cornea, and flap complications. These adverse side effects and complications are rare and usually attributed to the individual healing process and not the surgery itself. Serious vision-threatening complications or severe vision loss is rare, with less than 1% of patients affected.

LASIK eye surgery continues to improve with technology and surgical skill. Millions of people worldwide see more clearly and are less dependent on corrective lenses. LASIK is considered a safe and effective vision correction procedure with 99.5% of patients achieving 20/40 or better vision.

For more information about LASIK and the kind of results you can expect, call the Rochester Eye and Laser Center at 585-546-7611 and talk to our LASIK RN Coordinator, or schedule a free LASIK consultation.