Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a widely recognized elective surgical procedure used to correct refractive vision errors. This procedure reshapes the cornea using a laser to improve the eye’s focusing ability, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. Exploring the statistics behind how many people elect to have this surgery each year illustrates the procedure’s global popularity and standing in modern ophthalmology.
Current Global and National Procedure Volume
The total number of LASIK procedures performed globally since its introduction is estimated to be well over 25 million eyes treated, establishing a large safety and efficacy record worldwide. The volume of surgeries performed peaked in the early 2000s, particularly in the United States, when annual procedures were consistently around 1.4 million eyes per year, before declining following the 2008 economic recession.
Despite the decline from its peak, the procedure maintains a stable and substantial annual volume in major markets. In the United States alone, the current estimate for yearly laser vision correction procedures is between 700,000 and 800,000. This volume includes traditional LASIK as well as other laser vision correction methods.
Typical Patient Profile
The demographic most commonly seeking LASIK surgery is young to middle-aged adults, typically falling within the age bracket of 25 to 40 years old. While the minimum age requirement is 18, many surgeons prefer candidates older than 21 to ensure complete ocular maturity and prescription stability. A primary requirement for any candidate is a stable refractive prescription that has not changed significantly for at least a year prior to the procedure.
LASIK is designed to correct common refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Myopia is the most frequent refractive error addressed by the surgery, accounting for the largest share of procedures. Successful candidates must also possess good general eye health, which includes having corneas thick enough to allow for the creation of the corneal flap and subsequent laser ablation.
Procedure Success and Satisfaction Rates
The continued high volume of procedures is linked to consistently favorable outcomes and high rates of patient satisfaction reported in clinical studies. Visual acuity results demonstrate that 99% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better (the legal driving standard in most places), and more than 90% achieve 20/20 vision or better.
Patient satisfaction rates for LASIK are reported to be high, often exceeding 96%, which is among the highest for any elective medical procedure. The rare occurrence of severe, vision-threatening complications further supports the procedure’s safety profile, with rates estimated to be less than one percent.
Advanced screening protocols and modern laser technology contribute to these results by meticulously assessing patients before surgery. For instance, the risk of a serious complication, such as infection, is extremely low, estimated at less than one in every 10,000 procedures.
Market Shifts and Alternative Procedures
While LASIK remains the most popular form of laser vision correction, the overall market is being influenced by advancements in alternative surgical techniques. Procedures like Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) are gaining traction, slightly altering the market composition. These alternatives cater to patients who may not be ideal LASIK candidates due to specific anatomical or lifestyle factors.
LASIK still accounts for the vast majority of laser vision correction procedures, estimated to be between 80% and 85% of the total volume in the US market. However, PRK, which is a flapless surface ablation procedure, is often recommended for individuals with thinner corneas or those with professions that carry a higher risk of corneal trauma. SMILE is a newer, minimally invasive, flapless technique that is particularly favored for correcting higher degrees of myopia and may reduce the risk of certain flap-related complications.