LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely performed vision correction procedure that often raises questions about its safety, particularly regarding the risk of blindness. While no surgical procedure is entirely without risk, the prospect of complete blindness directly caused by LASIK is exceedingly rare. Patients can find reassurance in the procedure’s well-established safety profile, though understanding all potential outcomes remains important.
The Reality of Blindness Risk
True, irreversible blindness is virtually unheard of as a direct consequence of LASIK. Medical literature and extensive studies have not documented cases where LASIK alone was the sole cause of total blindness. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has monitored adverse effects and determined that LASIK meets or exceeds all safety standards.
While total blindness is not a reported outcome, severe vision loss is an extremely rare complication. This usually refers to a significant decrease in best-corrected vision, not necessarily total blindness. Serious sight-threatening complications from LASIK occur in less than 1% of procedures. For comparison, the risk of severe corneal infection that could lead to vision loss from daily contact lens wear is higher than that associated with LASIK. A meta-analysis indicated a vision loss prevalence of 0.66% following LASIK surgery.
Understanding Other Potential Complications
While blindness is extremely unlikely, patients undergoing LASIK may experience more common, typically temporary, side effects. Dry eyes are a common temporary side effect, affecting a significant percentage of patients immediately after the procedure. This occurs because the surgery can temporarily decrease tear production and disturb nerves around the eyes, though symptoms usually improve within weeks to months. In some cases, severe dry eyes might require ongoing management with eye drops or other treatments.
Visual disturbances such as glare, halos around lights, starbursts, or double vision are also common temporary effects, especially at night. These issues often resolve within a few days to a few weeks as the eyes heal. Less common complications include undercorrection or overcorrection, where the vision is not fully corrected or is overcorrected, potentially requiring another procedure, glasses, or contact lenses. Flap complications, such as infection or abnormal tissue growth under the flap, are rare but can occur.
Key Factors Influencing LASIK Safety
The overall safety and success of LASIK are influenced by several factors. The surgeon’s experience and skill play a significant role in achieving optimal outcomes. Choosing a reputable and experienced eye surgeon helps minimize potential risks.
Modern LASIK procedures benefit from advanced technology, which enhances precision and reduces complications. Femtosecond lasers, for instance, create the corneal flap with ultra-short pulses of light, offering increased safety and accuracy compared to older blade-based methods. Wavefront-guided technology and artificial intelligence (AI) personalize the treatment by mapping unique corneal imperfections and analyzing patient data for surgical planning. Advanced eye-tracking systems also ensure the laser remains precisely aligned despite slight eye movements during surgery.
Determining Your Suitability for LASIK
A comprehensive pre-operative screening is important for determining a patient’s suitability for LASIK, minimizing risks, and optimizing outcomes. The evaluation involves a detailed assessment of eye health, including corneal thickness, which must be sufficient for the reshaping process. Too thin or irregular corneas can increase the risk of an undesirable outcome like corneal ectasia, a condition where the cornea weakens and bulges.
Other factors assessed include the stability of the patient’s vision prescription, which should ideally not have changed for at least 12 months. Pre-existing conditions such as severe dry eye, uncontrolled autoimmune diseases, or certain eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts can make someone a poor candidate. Pupil size is also measured, as large pupils might contribute to visual disturbances like glare at night.