Struggling with vision issues can be disheartening at times. Having to constantly update the lenses in your glasses or buy new contacts gets expensive and can be a frustrating process. If you have had vision issues for a long time, you have most likely heard about a laser vision correction procedure such as LASIK. Truthfully, LASIK might be a better option than glasses or contacts but what is the reality of LASIK? Is it safe? It is a normal question to ask about any procedure, especially one dealing with such a fragile area like the eyes. The Boston Eye Group and Boston Laser team will help to answer all your LASIK questions, but we can reassure you, this is a safe procedure.
What is LASIK?
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most common form of laser vision correction performed in the United States. More than 19 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the U.S. alone. This surgery has been around for over 20 years. The FDA approved the use and safety of LASIK in 1999. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in the eyes. According to the most recent clinical data, LASIK has a patient satisfaction rate of 96% in terms of safety and effectiveness.
How is LASIK done?
The LASIK procedure is quick and straightforward. The Boston Eye Group – Boston Laser surgeon will numb the eyes. The eyelids will be kept open with a lid speculum. This helps so that you are relaxed and do not have to worry about blinking during surgery. To begin the surgery, the surgeon will create a thin corneal flap using a laser. The flap will then be pulled back to expose the inner layers of the cornea. Now, they will use another laser to reshape the cornea. Once all the necessary adjustments have been made, the flap will be replaced, and the surgery is done. No stitches or sutures are required.
What Risks Are Associated With LASIK?
Yes, like all surgeries, LASIK comes with some risks. Possible side effects of LASIK are dry eyes, halos, and glares. Some long-term complications could result from this procedure like eye infections, chronic pain, detached retinas, and vision loss. However, these are rare. LASIK has never been the primary cause of blindness in patients. A study was conducted that found out of about 59,000 procedures, less than 1 percent of patients lost 2 lines of the eye chart when tested for visual acuity.
LASIK is safe because it uses a high degree of precision and accuracy from the combination of technologies used during the procedure. Your anatomy and vision are measured in detail so that the data can be programmed by the surgeon for your LASIK procedure to customize the treatment. By all data and clinical standards, LASIK is one of the safest elective procedures performed today.
Schedule a Consultation with a Boston Eye Group Specialist
Deciding to undergo LASIK comes with many questions. You will want to be sure that it is safe. It is important to see an ophthalmologist who is experienced and will help you feel comfortable going into the procedure. Speak with one of our many specialists at Boston Eye Group – Boston Laser today about LASIK. To schedule a consultation, fill out our online form or call one of our offices.
