How safe is the LASIK procedure?
According to several large studies, there is approximately a 2% intra-operative and 3-5% post-operative complication rate. Most of these complications do not result in loss of 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity or interfere with vision long term. The rate of severe complications should be substantially less than 1%. It is important for patients to understand that LASIK is surgery, and a small incidence of complications is to be expected. For more information on this subject, please see our Risks & Complications section.
No surgeon in the world can say it is very safe as much as no one can tell that driving is very safe. Every effort is made before, during, and after the procedure to make sure that you will have an uneventful, good recovery from the procedure. Most of the complications are minor and dealt with successfully, giving you good results.
Most studies show that the LASIK procedure poses minimal risks of complications. The overall complication rate is a fraction of one percent. Even if complications do occur, most of the complications are resolved within three months and do not result in long-term interference with vision. More precisely, the complication rate cited in large studies is between 0.5% and 1.9%. LASIK surgery is a surgical procedure done on a delicate part of the eye and therefore, complications can occur. Learn more about safety. For additional information, read our LASIK Information Booklet.
