Is Laser Vision Correction safe?
There are risks associated with all surgical procedures. When laser vision correction is performed by an experienced surgeon risk is minimal. Although very safe (about the same as the risk associated with extended-wear contact lenses), all patients should be well informed of the safety record and common side effects of surgery.
Over 1 million laser vision correction procedures are performed in the United States each year. Data obtained during exhaustive clinical trials shows that all patients experienced a significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without glasses or contact lenses) after laser vision correction.
Laser vision correction is a surgical procedure that deals with only the top few layers of the cornea. Although the risk of a problem is very low, there is a small chance a complication may occur. Your surgeon will discuss these potential risks with you and will honestly help you determine if LASIK is advisable.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved. Laser vision correction is a comparatively safe procedure and, although complications are possible, only a very small percentage of patients experience a complication. As a corneal surgeon, Dr. Duffey is trained to handle these complications should they occur.
