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LASIK - Success Rates, Statistics, and Advantages
What is LASIK?
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a type of refractive eye surgery developed in order to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by using an excimer laser to delicately reshape the cornea of the eye. LASIK has quickly become one of the most popular vision correction options in the world, with an extremely low rate of serious complications and a high rate of patient satisfaction.
What are the success rates of LASIK?
While less than 1 percent of patients undergoing LASIK surgery experience vision-reducing complications afterwards, nearly 9 out of 10 LASIK patients reported that their treatment met or exceeded their expectations, and nearly 3 out of 4 regretted not getting the procedure done earlier. Since FDA approval of LASIK in 1998, 20 million Americans have had the procedure performed, and an additional 1 to 2 million Americans become new LASIK patients each year.
What are the advantages of LASIK?
LASIK offers a number of advantages over other treatments. Perhaps the most striking advantage is that most patients experience dramatically improved vision immediately following the procedure. While it may take up to six months for vision to completely stabilize, many patients experience near-perfect vision the day after their surgery and immediate discontinue using their glasses or contacts. In fact, it is common for patients to attain better visual acuity with LASIK than they were able to with traditional corrective lenses.
Most patients experience very little discomfort or pain either during or after the procedure and are able to return to work the very next day. Some people in certain professions, such as law enforcement and aviation, find expanded career opportunities are open to them without their previous dependence on corrective lenses. Many patients experience heightened self-confidence and enhanced social opportunities.
