LASIK is a liberating, life-changing procedure that corrects nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. With LASIK, you can achieve crystal-clear vision and reduce your need for glasses or contacts.
While LASIK has a high success rate, some people wonder if this procedure is actually safe. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK, including whether or not it is a safe procedure!
How Safe is LASIK?
LASIK is one of the safest elective surgical procedures available today. However, the safety and success of LASIK depends on many different factors. If you want to ensure that the procedure is as safe as possible, it’s important to take these considerations into account before making this important decision.
Advances in Technology
Advances in technology continue to refine LASIK, making the procedure even more accurate and safer than ever before. Previously, LASIK surgeons used a microkeratome blade to make a flap in the cornea.
But today, LASIK can (and should) be performed using femtosecond laser technology. A femtosecond laser eliminates the need for a blade, elevating the safety and outcome of LASIK.
It offers a higher level of precision and safety that exceeds the microkeratome blade, lowering the risk of complications. A femtosecond laser allows surgeons to create corneal flaps with greater accuracy, enhancing patient safety and visual outcomes.
Our doctors have always made it a priority to offer our patients the latest technology in refractive surgery. VisionPoint Eye Center has been blade-free since 2004, making our surgeons the most experienced bladeless LASIK surgeons in central Illinois!
The Experience of Your LASIK Surgeon
While LASIK is safe and has an impressively high success rate, choosing an experienced surgeon can bolster the safety and outcome of the procedure. When performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, LASIK can drastically improve your vision and quality of life.
Like any procedure, LASIK has some risks and complications. The good news is that the chances of serious complications are exceedingly rare when an experienced surgeon performs LASIK.
With more than 60 years of combined surgical experience, our surgeons have performed more than 13,000 LASIK surgeries and receive many of their referrals from past LASIK patients because of proven success.
LASIK Candidacy Criteria
A safe and successful LASIK procedure is determined by whether you meet specific criteria. You may be a good LASIK candidate if:
- You’re 18 years old or older
- Your pupils are not too large
- You’re not pregnant or nursing
- Your corneas have sufficient thickness
- Your prescription has remained stable for at least a year
- Your eyes are healthy
- You’re in good health
Before your LASIK procedure, you’ll undergo a comprehensive preoperative assessment to ensure you’re a good candidate for LASIK. As part of your pre-LASIK evaluation, your LASIK coordinator will take a series of measurements. Your surgeon will check your measurements along with the health of your eyes to determine whether you qualify for LASIK.
This significantly lowers the risk of complications during and after LASIK.
Postoperative Care
Following your LASIK surgeon’s postoperative instructions is vital. It can help you avoid complications like infections, ensure optimal healing, and maximize your visual outcome.
Some general instructions include the following:
- Rest your eyes for 2 – 4 hours once you get home
- Use eye drops exactly as prescribed
- Wear your protective eye shields at all times until the following morning to avoid accidentally rubbing or touching your eyes
- Limit exercise and physical activities until your LASIK surgeon gives you the green light
- Attend all your follow-up appointments
- Avoid dunking your head underwater or swimming for 2 weeks after your procedure
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
Clear, Crisp Vision Awaits
LASIK at VisionPoint Eye Center is a safe and highly effective way to correct your vision. At VisionPoint Eye Center, our experienced LASIK Surgeons have more than 60 years of combined experience and have performed more than 13,000 LASIK surgeries using cutting-edge technology.
Schedule your LASIK screening at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington or Champaign, IL to get started on your LASIK journey today!
