A Few Numbers for Lasik Skeptics

A Few Numbers for Lasik Skeptics

Anyone who has even slight vision impairment stands to benefit from Lasik. The procedure is a life-changing experience and can be tremendously helpful. There are many options when deciding to have Lasik. There is the traditional and tried procedure, the Lasik procedure done using three dimensional wavefronts and there is one that is done by using lasers alone. Each of which should be talked over with your physician. Just like any other surgery, with Lasik, there is always the possibility of certain side effects.

The exaggerated accounts of some may inhibit an otherwise willing and healthy candidate from having the procedure done. Most people after having a successful surgery, do not go about sharing the details with the rest of the world and so it is likely that many stories you hear will be bad experiences.

On the other hand, it is always a good idea to know what you are in for and what the chances of developing Lasik related side effects are. Think of it as taking medicine; they all have possible side effects but usually none are serious and so we decide to take the medicine after weighing the cons and pros. hopefully, this article will clear up any confusion on the subject and put the potential Lasik candidate’s mind at ease so he can consider having the operation.

According to the FDA, over a million Lasik operations are performed each year in the US. The branch of the US government has gathered the following details pertaining to the most commonly experienced Lasik procedure side effects. These statistics are based on the general practice and so a lot depends on the performing surgeon, so get as much information about his experience and track-record as you can.

There are 1.7 percent of all patients that experience sensitivity to light or a glare after the procedure. This also varies from one patient to the next but the effect is mainly noticeable at night when looking at a source of light, a streetlight for example, so it is a strong light in dark contrast. Another 3.5 percent reported they had experienced a halo around the light.

The improvement in vision was attested by most patients almost immediately after surgery and most said that this improvement was permanent and they did not experience any vision problems. 2.6 percent did however, claiming that there was a noticeable fluctuation in their vision that was permanently present and this was located in at least some part of their sphere of sight.

Finally, there are those that do not achieve completely correct spheres of sight after a Lasik vision correction surgery. These are comprised of a very small percentile margin and the FDA supports that they only make up about 3 percent of all patients who have had Lasik surgery. In almost all these cases, the performing surgeon will operate again in hopes of improving the patients’ vision.

These detailed statistics should put away any unyielding stories about personal procedures gone horribly wrong. Notice by looking at the FDA’s statistics, that none of the cases, however problematic they may be, make up more than 3 percent of the total number of patients who have had Lasik. At most, these statistics should get you concerned enough to check out your potential Lasik physicians practice history.