How safe is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is one of, if not the safest medical procedure performed today! The FDA approved the procedure in 1991 and verified with extensive research that each step of the procedure is optimized to reduce patient risk. Although complications can arise (an estimated ~3-5% suffer from mild dry eye and glare, less than 1% experience serious complications), our physicians have an exceedingly high satisfaction rate.
How painful is LASIK?
During LASIK surgery, the physician will place anesthetic eye drops to ensure that your eyes are numb before the lasers are used. Generally, patients will experience a little discomfort during the procedure due to pressure being applied to the eye but no pain. Patients may also experience some slight dry eye and mild discomfort for a couple days after the procedure.
Are there side-effects?
Some patients may experience mild dry eye syndrome, a condition that can be relived with the use of eye drops. This will disappear as the healing process continues. Nighttime glare is also a possible side-effect, but again this condition goes away over time. Very rarely do patients experience worsening vision after the procedure. Like any other medical procedure, risks will always be present. By choosing Santa Monica Eye Medical Group, you are choosing to minimize those risks by trusting our over 70 years of experience in eye care.
What if my vision isn't what I hope for?
Over 95% of patients who undergo LASIK are satisfied with their results. For those who are not, fear not. Adjustments can be made to your vision with another vision correction procedure to get it just right.
Is LASIK Permanent?
For the most part, your improved vision will remain for many years. However, LASIK doesn't correct for presbyopia, or the reduced vision you experience as your eyes naturally age. This may result in you having to switch back to contact lenses or glasses in the later stages of life.
