How Safe is Laser Eye Correction?
Laser eye correction is no
longer considered experimental and has been approved
by the FDA for several years. However, like all surgical
procedures, it carries some risk for side effects and
complications. One of the best ways to avoid complications
is to carefully screen prospective patients beforehand
and only perform LASEK or LASIK on those patients who
are good candidates.
A good candidate is over the age
of 18 with a stable eyeglass prescription, no history
of previous corneal disease, a cornea of normal thickness
and shape (which will be measured and checked in the
office with computerized instrumentation) and moderate
levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism.
Most side effects, such as temporary
discomfort, light sensitivity, increased ocular dryness
and slight glare or halos around lights at night, are
generally not too bothersome and decrease over time.
The risk for serious complications
that could lead to loss of vision is remote. A recent
multi-center, national study (the CRS LASIK study) reported
a complication risk of less than 1%. You can help prevent
complications postoperatively by properly caring for
your eyes, using your eyedrops as directed and protecting
your eyes from trauma.
|
Your
choice of surgeon will be the most important factor
for your eye treatment. Download our free guide now.
Meet
patients who have had laser eye vision treatment or
the CK read-again without-glasses correction? Click
on the image or the link below to see these videos.