LASIK Risks & Benefits
in Denver, Indianapolis and Portland
The promise of a life without dependence on corrective lenses (either glasses or contacts) seems like a dream come true. Laser vision correction, and specifically LASIK, has been discussed in the media for many years and is now a mainstream procedure that you hear about on TV shows, at work and from your neighbors. And while it is a relatively easy procedure there's a lot going on behind the scenes, so to speak.
After you've made the decision to have LASIK, there are many more decisions to make before your procedure is complete and your new life begins. All patients should weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure and what it will mean to them individually.
Risks and Complications
Maximizing your chance of a complication-free procedure starts with choosing the right surgeon. Do your research and make sure that the center and the surgeon have the right LASIK technology for your situation, that the surgeon has experience and ask about his personal rate of complication and final outcomes.
The rate of complications in LASIK procedures is very low when compared to other types of surgeries. It's estimated that the average complication (all types of complications) rate is between 1 and 5 percent and the rate of serious complications is less than 1 percent. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better without complications. With advancing technology and increasing amount of experience among surgeons, the complication rates are decreasing and that's good news.
It's still imperative to know and understand what the possible complications are before you sign your surgery consent form. Following is a list of complications that you should discuss with your surgeon:
- Sensitivity to light
- Haloed or glared vision (May be reduced with advanced LASIK technology)
- Dry eyes
- Over- or under-correction
- Flap complications (May be reduced with All-Laser LASIK)
- Infection
- Loss of visual clarity
Benefits
After having LASIK, the vast majority of patients say to their friends and family, "I can't believe I waited so long. This is amazing!" And it is. Imagine your world without the everyday hassles of glasses, contact lenses and the rest of the "stuff" you need to get through your day. Imagine swimming, golfing, skiing, working, going to the beach (and the list goes on and on) without dependence on glasses.
If you've been considering LASIK and want to know more, contact the 20/20 Institute today to learn more about the risks and benefits of LASIK. At the 20/20 Institute you'll receive 5-star treatment and we'll answer all of your questions about LASIK, including the risks and benefits.
1.800.204.1989
