When it comes to improving vision, LASIK surgery is one of the most common and trusted procedures available today. If you’re considering LASIK, safety is likely your number one concern, and rightly so. Understanding the safety of this procedure is crucial before making any decisions about your eye health. So, how safe is LASIK, and what can you expect during and after the procedure?

A Track Record of Success
LASIK has been performed for decades, with millions of procedures completed around the world. It’s one of the most studied eye surgeries, and its success rate is exceptionally high. Most patients experience significant improvements in their vision, often to the point where they no longer need glasses or contact lenses. The procedure itself is quick, generally lasting around 15 minutes for both eyes, and is done on an outpatient basis.
While no surgery is without risks, LASIK has one of the lowest complication rates in modern medicine. The vast majority of patients are satisfied with their results and experience few, if any, side effects.
What Happens During LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery involves reshaping the cornea—the transparent front part of your eye—using a laser. This reshaping allows light to focus correctly on the retina, improving vision. The procedure is minimally invasive, and only topical anesthesia in the form of eye drops is needed to numb the eyes. Since the surgery is brief and straightforward, most patients are in and out of the clinic within a couple of hours.
Many people are concerned about the idea of a laser being used on their eyes, but the lasers used in LASIK are incredibly precise. They are designed to make small, controlled adjustments to the cornea, ensuring a safe and effective outcome.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any surgery, LASIK does come with some risks, though serious complications are rare. Common side effects include dry eyes and temporary visual disturbances such as glare, halos, or difficulty seeing at night. These symptoms usually resolve on their own in the weeks following surgery, but it’s important to discuss them with your doctor before the procedure.
In very rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as infection or issues with the healing process. This is why it’s essential to follow all post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to monitor your recovery.
Who Shouldn’t Get LASIK?
LASIK isn’t for everyone, and part of ensuring the safety of the procedure is identifying who is and isn’t a good candidate. Certain factors, such as having an unusually thin cornea, chronic dry eye, or unstable vision, may disqualify someone from the procedure. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes might not be suitable candidates.
This is why a comprehensive LASIK evaluation is so important. Your doctor will assess the overall health of your eyes and your medical history to make sure that LASIK is a safe option for you.
Post-Surgery Recovery
One of the reasons LASIK is so popular is the relatively short recovery period. Most people experience clearer vision within 24 hours, and many can return to normal activities within a few days. However, it’s important to give your eyes time to heal properly to avoid complications.
You’ll likely be given special eye drops to help prevent infection and keep your eyes moisturized as they heal. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes and wear protective eye shields while sleeping for the first few days. Attending follow-up appointments is key to ensuring everything is healing properly and addressing any concerns early on.
Long-Term Safety and Results
In terms of long-term safety, LASIK has been proven to provide stable results for the vast majority of patients. Many people enjoy excellent vision for years after surgery, though some may need a minor touch-up later in life as natural changes to the eyes occur with aging. It’s important to have realistic expectations going into the procedure—LASIK corrects your vision, but it won’t stop the natural aging process, which may still lead to the need for reading glasses later in life.
For most patients, the benefits of LASIK far outweigh the risks, especially with modern advancements in laser technology. As long as you’re a suitable candidate and follow your doctor’s recommendations, LASIK is a very safe and effective option for improving your vision.
What You Can Do to Ensure a Safe Experience
The best way to ensure a safe LASIK procedure is to work with an experienced, reputable eye surgeon. Make sure to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully and attend all scheduled follow-up visits. These steps will help to minimize any risks and ensure the best possible outcome for your vision.
It’s also important to be honest with your doctor about any eye or medical conditions you have. By doing so, your doctor can fully assess whether LASIK is a safe option for you. Skipping this step could lead to complications down the road, so being upfront is essential.
Is LASIK Safe for You?
LASIK is one of the safest and most effective vision correction procedures available. For millions of people, it has been a life-changing surgery that improves the quality of their daily lives. However, like any surgery, it comes with some risks, and it’s important to determine if you’re a suitable candidate through a thorough evaluation.
If you’re considering LASIK and want to know if it’s right for you, the next step is scheduling a consultation with your eye doctor. They’ll evaluate your eye health, review your medical history, and help you make an informed decision.
Schedule Your LASIK Consultation Today
If you’re ready to take the first step toward clearer vision, contact SuraVision today at 713-730-2020 to schedule your LASIK consultation. We’ll help you determine if LASIK is the right choice for you and provide all the information you need to feel confident moving forward.