LASIK has been approved by the FDA as a safe and effective eye surgery procedure. The LASIK procedure uses a computer controlled laser, that the surgeon turns on and can turn off at any moment. The laser has many built in safeguards to reduce the risk of error. As with any surgical procedure, however, there are always risks. While the majority of LASIK patients achieve better vision without any serious complications, a small percentage of LASIK patients do experience some difficulties.

It is important to realize that, like any surgery, LASIK is not without risk. However, major complications are extremely rare. Most complications that do occur, however, are likely due to the old style "Blade Microkeratomes," the metalic blade that cuts the cornea to make the LASIK flap. Here at Northern California Laser Center, we offer the All-Laser LASIK using the IntraLase that has virtually eliminated the potential for any complications.

Yes, the extremely low complication rate has been a primary reason for the popularity of LASIK worldwide. The risk of a serious problem resulting in any loss of vision is about 0.01 percent. More common but less serious problems include under or over corrections, flap-related problems, infection, dry eyes, and night vision problems. There have been no cases of blindness or loss of the eye with LASIK in the United States.

There are risks involved with any surgical procedure. However, because LASIK surgery uses a cool beam of light that is computer controlled, there is little chance of error. In the U.S. alone, the procedure has been performed well over a million times. According to recent data, 98% of patients treated with LASIK for nearsightedness and/or astigmatism see well enough to pass a driver’s test without glasses in all 50 states.

For many people, LASIK surgery means freedom from glasses and/or contact lenses. Custom LASIK improves both visual acuity and the quality of your vision. If you have extremely poor vision, which cannot be adequately resolved by corrective lenses, LASIK may help by improving the curvature of your corneas.

While all surgery involves some risk, LASIK eye surgery is not an intraocular surgery, and therefore is less risky than more invasive procedures. The highly controlled LASIK process uses a computer-controlled light beam under the guidance of a trained and certified LASIK surgeon. Virtually all laser surgery patients experience significant improvement in their vision. A discussion with your eye doctor will help you to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.

The FDA recognizes LASIK and PRK as proven, safe and effective. Laser vision correction uses a cool (non-thermal) beam of light that is computer controlled. The surgeon turns the laser on and is able to turn it off at any moment. There are many safeguards in place to reduce the risk of error. However, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure.

Dr Walter Stark of Johns Hopkins stated that ads touting radial keratotomy as "safe and effective" are less than frank. About 1 to 3 percent of people have significant side effects. "Every complication listed in an informed consent form" - including the remote risk of going blind - "is something that has actually happened." Also, "Progressive hyperopia (farsighted vision, after the surgery) will be the thing that condemns radial keratotomy.