LASIK: Proven Safety

Lots of our patients ask us a simple question: Is laser eye surgery safe? For more than 25 years, millions of patients worldwide have enjoyed the freedom that a vision correction procedure can offer. LASIK is widely accepted by surgeons as the safest elective medical procedure in today’s modern medicine.

A recent study conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that 99% of patients who have had LASIK said that they would recommend this form of vision correction to their friends and family, while 97% said they preferred results from their LASIK treatment than what they saw with their contact lenses.

With regards to risk factors, the infection rates with contact lenses are unexpectedly high: Though many people believe contact lenses are safer than laser vision correction, there is actually a greater chance of contracting an infection by wearing them. As per figures released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of infection is as high as one in every 100 contact lens wearer. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) estimates that the average infection rate following LASIK is in the range of 0.09%.1 At LASIK MD, our laser vision correction infection rate over the last decade has been 0.01%,2 which is even lower than the ASCRS report.

LASIK MD’s team of surgeons are experienced and trained in the field of refractive care, so you know that the procedure you’re undergoing is safe and trusted to the hands of a professional. Like any surgical procedure, there is the potential for certain complications, but please note that these are rare and most of which are minor and can be treated. LASIK MD performs a high number of surgeries on an annual basis. This fact, paired with the clinic’s standardized surgical techniques, takes every step to provide patients with a safe, effective procedure that delivers favourable visual outcomes.

To discuss this with one of our eye care professionals, and ask any additional questions you may have, book a free, no-obligation consultation

1Solomon R, Donnenfeld ED, Holland EJ, Yoo SH, Daya S, Güell JL, Mah FS, Scoper SV, Kim T. Microbial keratitis trends following refractive surgery: Results of the ASCRS Infectious keratitis survey and comparisons with prior ASCRS surveys of infectious keratitis following keratorefractive procedures. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2011;37(7):1343-50.
2LASIK MD, "10 Years Internal Data," 2012-2022.