LASIK and other Laser Vision Correction (LVC) procedures like Photo Refractive Kerotectomy (PRK) have been approved by the FDA since 1995 in the United States. That is over 20 years of vision correction history in the United States and over 20 million (20,000,000) procedures.
LASIK is a truly groundbreaking and effective procedure for vision correction. In fact, the vast majority of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after undergoing LASIK eye surgery*. Most patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure and are able to go back to work the very next day.
LASIK is a relatively quick and easy procedure from the patients’ perspective. Like other surgical procedures, it requires expertise from the surgeon and comes with risks and benefits.
In general the risk of complication in LASIK is less than one half (½) of one percent (1%)*, however you should discuss your individual risks and benefits with your doctor.
To manage your expectations, here are some things you should know:
The Visual Results can be different from patient to patient and provider to provider. Everyone’s vision imperfections are unique, as are the ways in which we heal. Thus, the results one person achieves through LASIK surgery might not be the same for someone else. Also, be sure to ask your provider to discuss their actual results, not national average results.
- Not everyone will be “glasses-free” forever. All eyes mature with age, and eventually you might need either reading glasses or another procedure to deal with changes in your distance or near vision.
- Not everyone can achieve 20/20 vision. Talk with your Denver LASIK surgeons about your current vision imperfections to determine whether 20/20 vision is a realistic goal for you.
- Re-treatment, enhancement or refinement procedures might be necessary to maintain your best uncorrected vision. It is not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of dry eye after the procedure. For the vast majority of patients this is a temporary condition (usually 30-60 days).
- For optimal results, you will need to stick to an aftercare regimen and attend scheduled follow-up visits.
