LASIK RISKS AND ACCEPTANCES

If you are considering LASIK and are worried that something could go wrong, you might take comfort in knowing that sight-threatening complications from laser vision correction are rare. Also, many LASIK complications can be resolved with additional surgery or medical treatment.

Choosing the right eye surgeon is the single most important step you can take to decrease any risks associated with LASIK. An experienced, reputable surgeon will make sure you are properly screened and let you know up front if you aren't a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Also be advised that there are risks in wearing glasses and contacts lenses. Studies show that contact lens users subject themselves to a much higher risk of visual complications than people who have LASIK. LASIK also gives people advantages in circumstances such as a house fire or car accident, where glasses and contacts can actually fall off or malfunction.

Many risks and side effects differ for each individual due to the differences in everyone's anatomy. Also, many of the complications you read about on different websites stem from early LASIK procedures that disregard the technological advancements we use today. The following will give you a brief look at the advancements that have lead to the development of today's LASIK.

1936   Tsutomu Sato observes flattening of the cornea after traumatic eye injury.
1948   Jose Barraquer begins using surgical techniques to reshape the cornea by removing a portion, freezing it, reshaping it with a lath, and then stitching back into the eye.  The portion removed is approximately proportionate to today's LASIK flap. 
1960's   radial keratotomy (RK) is developed by Russian Svyatoslav Fyodorov. 
1975-79   development of excimer laser technology.
1983   Stephen Trokel describes use of excimer laser to remove corneal tissue.
1987   Theo Seiler performs first excimer treatment on human eye.
1991   Stephen Brint performs first LASIK Procedure.
1995   FDA Approves excimer laser for refractive surgery (PRK) to correct myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism.
1999   first excimer lasers approved for LASIK surgery.
2000   FDA approves excimer laser for LASIK to correct hyperopia (farsightedness).
2002   Wavefront guided LASIK approved for custom correction.
2002   IntraLase receives FDA approval for laser assisted creation of corneal flap.

LASIK continues to be one of the most commonly performed electives surgeries of today and has the highest patient satisfaction rating because of the visual freedom it provides. If you wish to discuss LASIK risks in detail, please call us and set up a free LASIK consiltation so we can use your personal circumstances to educate you on the risks of LASIK.