Is LASIK Safe? A 2020 Report

“Is LASIK Safe” is a frequently asked and frequently researched question; and rightfully so as these are your eyes we are talking about! Thanks to the internet, we are living through an information era, giving us anything we could ask for – in seconds and at our fingertips. When we are presented with this information, how do we assess its validity or reliability? As we all know, it can be challenging to discern fact from fiction, and that’s why I am here today. Using reputable sources, quantifiable data, and fun facts about LASIK, my goal is to give you peace of mind when wondering, “Is LASIK Safe?”

1. Is LASIK Surgery Safe?

LASIK is unarguably the safest elective surgical procedure that is available today. More than 20 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the U.S., with extraordinary patient satisfaction results that exceeds 98%. I’ve read about so many LASIK horror stories online, especially as of late. Although trusted sources that are backed by peer-reviewed journals with verifiable evidence doesn’t generate buzz and clicks (which converts into $$$), it is 100% necessary that you dig through the media noise when evaluating if LASIK is right for you. At the end of the day, LASIK continues to be one of the most studied and critiqued elective procedures today.

LASIK is the most widely performed medical procedure in the United States

-American Refractive Surgery Council

2. Is LASIK Safer Than Contact Lenses?

Yes, and not just slightly! According to the American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC), the risks of corneal ulcers are nearly 10 times more likely with daily contact use than from LASIK complications. Not one LASIK patient has ever gone blind due to LASIK complications, however serious infections due to contact lens complications can cause blindness.

3. The Data Doesn’t Lie

In a study evaluating the results of 58,653 procedures, less than 1 percent (0.61%) of patients lost 2 lines on the eye chart. This is an incredible statistic considering the FDA threshold for safety and outcomes is 5 percent; LASIK outcomes are better than 5 times the FDA approval threshold. When you add an experienced and trusted surgeon such as Dr. Haddad, the chances for the best possible LASIK outcome increase even more!

There are tens of thousands FDA clinical trials that have tested the safety and outcomes of LASIK

-American Refractive Surgery Council

4. What Makes LASIK Safe?

I have one word for you – “NASA”. Think all of the advanced mathematical algorithms, physics, and optics that goes into attaching a satellite to a space shuttle in outer space. The slightest movement can be the difference in a massive success or monumental failure. For a satellite to dock successfully, thousands of things are happening – in milliseconds. Well, this is the same case for LASIK. The same technology first developed by NASA, is used by the LASIK platform to track your eye movements – thousands of times per second, making sure you the accuracy of your treatment is “Space Force” worthy.

7,000+ peer reviewed published studies confirming LASIK is both safe and effective

-American Refractive Surgery Council

Final Thoughts

A combination of factors make LASIK the safest elective procedure performed today. On top of extensive screening and diagnostics (make sure your LASIK provider screens properly!) and the most advanced computer-driver laser technology, there is no safer elective medical surgery than LASIK. This high precision laser technology in combination with screening diagnostics and experience, ensures the highest degree of patient safety and satisfaction.

What do you think? Are you tired of glasses and/or contacts and are ready to make the move? Add your comments below!