6 Surprising Facts About LASIK Eye Surgery You Didn’t Know
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most commonly performed elective medical procedures, with over 40 million people across the globe undergoing laser vision correction. At LASIK MD, we’re one of the leading providers of vision correction in North America. With clinics across Canada and the United States, our surgeons have collectively performed more than 2 million procedures in over two decades.
LASIK may be a routine procedure, but not many people know a lot about it, unless they’ve undergone the surgery themself or know someone who has. Below, we take a look at some of the most surprising facts about LASIK, so you can decide if vision correction is right for you.
LASIK Has Been Around For A Century
Although LASIK has become a common elective procedure in recent decades, the techniques and technology behind laser vision correction has been around for nearly a century.
Key moment in LASIK’s history includes the development of José Barraquer's corneal flap technique in the 1950s. Then, in the 1980s, IBM researchers harnessed excimer lasers for tissue shaping, refining visual outcomes with Barraquer's method.
By 1988, the first laser refractive surgery was performed in the United States. FDA approval came in 1995 for PRK and 1999 for LASIK, with Canada approving both in the early '90s.
Most People Are Excellent LASIK Candidates
One of the benefits of LASIK is that it’s suitable for a wide age range. In general, 90% of individuals between the ages of 18 to 65 make excellent LASIK candidates.
It should be noted that LASIK isn't recommended for children and teenagers. At LASIK MD, we have a minimum age requirement of 18 because adolescents are still undergoing puberty, during which hormonal changes can impact vision.
LASIK Corrects More Than One Vision Problem
LASIK can treat multiple types of refractive errors, even in patients suffering from more than one at the same time. LASIK can treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances).
The LASIK Recovery Is Often Only 24-Hours
While eye surgery can sound intimidating, LASIK often doesn’t require a lot of downtime. At LASIK MD, the majority of our patients are back to their normal routine within 24-hours of the procedure, so it’s usually not necessary to take time off from school or work after LASIK.
LASIK Can Enhance Night Vision
LASIK can allow patients to see clearly during both day and night. Many LASIK MD patients report experiencing enhanced night vision following their procedure, which can include:
- Sharper contrast
- Reduced dry eyes
- Reduced glare and halos
- Expanded peripheral vision
LASIK Can Offer Long-Lasting Results
LASIK is permanent in the sense that it corrects refractive error by reshaping the corneal tissue, which doesn’t grow back after the procedure. It’s still possible for vision to naturally evolve with time. LASIK isn’t able to provide immunity against age-related eye conditions, like presbyopia or cataracts, which can still develop over time. But the majority of LASIK MD patients enjoy freedom from glasses and contacts for years after their surgery.
Clearer vision is a life-changing experience, which can offer more simplicity in your life. There’s a lot more to know about LASIK when deciding if it’s right for you. At LASIK MD, we offer free consultations to educate our patients on their options. We’ll perform a series of diagnostic tests to confirm your candidacy, and recommend a treatment based on your needs. It’s also an opportunity for us to explain how LASIK works and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Why wait? Book a free consultation with LASIK MD today to get on the road to clearer vision.