Can you guess the question we hear most when meeting with patients at a LASIK consultation? It’s not “How much does LASIK cost?” or “Is it going to hurt?”
The top question we answer is, “Is LASIK safe?”
If you struggle with vision issues, you may have wondered yourself if LASIK is a better and safer option than glasses or contact lenses. Obviously, you’re not alone. It’s a good question.
The answer is an affirmative Yes!
At Center For Sight, we love to educate our patients so they can make the best decision possible for their unique eyes and lifestyle. Here are a few basic LASIK facts we share during a LASIK consult that many people find reassuring:
- LASIK was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1999
- LASIK has impressive records for safety and effectiveness
Is LASIK Safe?
Here are the facts. The most recent statistics from the American Refractive Surgery Council show more than 19 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the U.S. with very high patient satisfaction in visual outcomes. That high rate of patient satisfaction (more than 96 percent!) reflects the extremely low risk of complications the procedure has. The rate of complications from LASIK is estimated to be less than 1 percent, making it one of the safest elective surgical procedures on the market today. Boom.
But How Safe?
We’re going to talk statistics for a minute so don’t check out! We’ll make it quick. From a statistical standpoint, an enormous amount of clinical data definitively answers the question of How safe is LASIK? A few of our favorite data points include:
- Analysis comparing rates of infection between contact lens use and LASIK found that one year of using extended wear of soft contact lenses led to 3 times as many cases of eye infection than LASIK
- LASIK has never (ever!) been the primary, exclusive cause of blindness
Takeaway? LASIK is an overwhelmingly safe and effective option for anyone who wants a reduced dependency on glasses and contacts. But having concerns about the safety of the procedure and your resulting eyesight is completely normal. We get it. Eyes and eyesight are precious! Schedule a free, no-obligation LASIK consultation at Center For Sight and it will be our pleasure to answer any questions you have. Seeing is believing!
No doubt, you owe it to yourself to research LASIK until you’re comfortable and so you fully understand all the risks and the many, many benefits. You may also be interested in learning about the amazing technologies used in today’s advanced LASIK performed at Center For Sight.
Sci-Fi for the Eye
At Center For Sight, we are committed to using the newest, most advanced technology. Since LASIK was first introduced in the United States, technology for LASIK has drastically evolved (and improved!). The results of your vision correction are now more predictable, reliable and customizable than ever before.
LASIK uses advanced computer-driven laser technology to permanently reshape the cornea with amazingly-detailed precision. During the in-depth pre-op evaluation of your eyes, your personal anatomy and vision will be measured in exacting detail.
To provide the best patient care and best possible corrected vision for our patients, we perform all-laser LASIK using the Advanced CustomVue Technology, which delivers a unique combination of the WaveScan WaveFront® System and the STAR S4 IR® Excimer Laser.
Just like a well-tailored custom suit, Advanced CustomVue Wavefront LASIK is 100% customized to the anatomy of your eyes. Wavefront technology measures the “fingerprint” of your eye and provides our team with the topographical information necessary to discern exactly where the refractive errors that cause poor vision are located. This advanced diagnostic tool allows us to craft a highly customized surgical plan that is for your eyes only. That means you can expect great results!
We also use the IntraLase FS Femtosecond Laser for the creation of the corneal flap; the initial part of your procedure. This knowledge puts many of our patients at ease, knowing there will never be a blade placed anywhere near their eye throughout the entire procedure!
Note: Some practices still use a blade to make the corneal flap by hand. Be sure to ask!
Building Trust, One Eye at a Time
We want you to feel informed, confident and excited in your decision about LASIK. By many scientific and clinical standards, LASIK is among the safest elective procedures available today. Having a thorough evaluation and a thoughtful conversation with your Center For Sight eye surgeon is the best way to find out if LASIK is right for you.
LASIK for Las Vegas
Are you ready to join our family of 20/Happy LASIK patients? If you’re tired of the hassles of glasses or contacts, call or schedule online with Center For Sight.
