Is LASIK safe? It’s one of the first questions our patients ask when they reach out for a consultation here at Florida Eye Custom Vision. The good news is that LASIK has become one of the most popular vision correction procedures worldwide, precisely because it’s among the safest, most effective options for treating refractive errors. Thanks to decades of research, technology advancement, and high patient satisfaction, LASIK offers reliable, life-changing results. In this article, we’ll explore LASIK’s safety record, how its modern technology keeps you comfortable and protected, and what to expect from recovery.
Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe? Yes, a Proven Track Record You Can Trust
Many patients are surprised that LASIK has been improving lives for over 25 years, evolving from 1970s laser technologies to gaining FDA approval in 1999. Since then, research shows that 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision, and nearly all (99%) reach 20/40, the legal standard for driving without visual aids. With serious complications being infrequent, occurring in less than 1% of cases, LASIK eye surgery boasts one of the highest satisfaction rates of any elective surgery. Even after 10+ years, 95-99% of patients report still being happy and would recommend it to others.
As someone who has both performed and personally undergone LASIK, I can genuinely say I trust this procedure’s safety and results. Experiencing it myself has only strengthened my commitment to offering our patients this life-changing vision correction. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others enjoy the same clarity and confidence that LASIK has given me.—Dr. Amit Chokshi, Florida Eye Custom Vision.
Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe for Older Adults?
Yes, LASIK eye surgery can be safe and effective for older adults, provided your eyes are healthy and your vision is stable, as confirmed by 2-3 years of eye health history. Age alone isn’t a barrier; the absence of other eye conditions like severe dry eye, cataracts, or age-related eye diseases matters. With comparable success and satisfaction as younger patients, know that you may still need reading glasses later in life due to presbyopia, the natural age-related loss of near vision.
How Does Modern Technology Protect You During Treatment?
Modern LASIK is safer and more precise than ever, thanks to remarkable advances in laser technology and diagnostic tools. Here’s how these innovations work together to protect your vision during treatment:
1. All-Laser, No Blades.
If you’ve heard about LASIK using blades to create a corneal flap, know that this older technology is used less frequently. At our Jacksonville, FL practice, the advanced IntraLaseⓇ femtosecond laser replaces the blade, delivering a bladeless treatment with incredible precision measured down to the micron (thinner than a human hair). This method means a gentler and more comfortable experience for you, and a procedure completion time of just 15-20 minutes for both eyes, with the laser itself being active for only seconds.
- The laser’s micron-level accuracy allows us to customize your flap’s thickness and shape for your eye’s anatomy, reducing flap-related complications.
- It’s less invasive and virtually eliminates severe, sight-threatening complications linked to mechanical blades.
- Consistent flap thickness and stability promote faster healing and better vision outcomes.
2. Personalized Just For You.
Before treatment, we perform a series of painless tests using advanced tools like Pentacam, EyeSys, and Optical Coherence Tomography to map your cornea’s shape, thickness, and surface.
- These detailed measurements help us verify that your eyes are healthy and suitable for LASIK.
- We can tailor your treatment plan to your eye’s anatomy, maximizing LASIK’s safety and effectiveness.
- Customizing your laser correction reduces the chances of side effects like glare or halos and improves overall quality.
3. Advanced Eye Tracking – No Need to Worry About Moving.
Worried about blinking or moving during LASIK? Our real-time eye tracking system monitors your eye movements hundreds of times per second and adjusts the laser to follow, ensuring treatment is delivered accurately. If your eye moves outside the safe range, the laser automatically pauses, enhancing the level of safety and precision.
By combining bladeless IntraLaseⓇ technology, personalized diagnostics, and real-time eye tracking, we actively protect your vision throughout the LASIK process. These innovations minimize risks, enhance precision and comfort, ensuring you achieve the safest, most reliable, and life-changing outcomes – Jerry Maida, M.D.
Recovery Expectations – Healing and Temporary Side Effects
While LASIK is safe, mild dryness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision in the first few weeks after LASIK is normal. Temporary side effects like itchiness, glare, halos, or mild discomfort are part of the healing process and resolve quickly, but a small percentage of patients may see these last longer. Our team supports your recovery with:
- Preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes comfortable.
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops to speed up healing.
- An eye shield is to be worn at night to prevent accidental touching or scratches.
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours and can return to normal routines quickly. Your vision will continue to sharpen and stabilize over several weeks, with a full recovery taking up to 6 months. A small number (<5%) may need a touch-up procedure in the future, but you’ll have follow-up appointments to ensure your eyes are healing properly.
Ready to Live Your Best Life in Jacksonville, FL, With LASIK?
Taking the first step toward clearer vision can be easy—at Florida Eye Custom Vision, we’ve helped over 30,000 Jacksonville residents enjoy their best life without glasses and contacts, from crystal-clear mornings to worry-free beach days, all under North Florida’s most experienced LASIK team. Ready to experience the life-changing benefits of LASIK? Call us at (904) 268-3937 or schedule your free consultation online.