LASIK Success Rates
January 31st, 2014
Since its inception, more than 19 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the United States, the vast majority of which – more than 95 percent – have resulted in patients reporting satisfaction with their outcomes. This makes LASIK one of the most successful surgeries in the history of medicine.
In recent years, however, LASIK has become only safer and more effective, thanks to such innovative technologies as the IntraLase® laser, which allows the procedure to be performed without the need for a blade. At the eye care practice of Danny Lee, M.D., in Huntsville, LASIK success rates compare favorably with nationwide averages due in part to Dr. Lee’s embrace of the latest, most effective technologies and techniques. Factor in Dr. Lee’s talent, experience, training, and skill, and you have many good reasons to explore the possibilities of LASIK at his practice.
What Defines “Success”?
It is important to understand what “success” means when it comes to gauging the efficacy of LASIK. Most practices define a successful LASIK outcome as 20/40 vision or better. At 20/40, patients are able to perform most daily tasks without glasses or contact lenses. Most notably, they are legally allowed to drive without visual aids. Most patients are also able to enjoy watching television, working at a computer, and participating in sports free from glasses or contacts. Nationally, approximately 90 percent of patients achieve 20/40 or better vision.
Approximately 56 percent of patients who undergo LASIK achieve 20/20 or better vision, according FDA data. This data accounts for all LASIK cases, including those involving high levels of refractive errors, which makes 20/20 a far less likely result than it would be for those with smaller levels of refractive errors.
Proper Screening Is Essential to a Successful Outcome
The above statistics also include cases in which poor candidates for LASIK were allowed to undergo the procedure due to inadequate screening by the surgeon. In 2014, diagnostic technology has progressed to the point that no practice should have difficulty distinguishing good from poor candidates for LASIK; however, some inexperienced surgeons may set the bar for candidacy a little too low.
Dr. Lee carefully screens each patient, performing a thorough evaluation of his or her eyes and health history, before recommending LASIK. In general, good candidates for LASIK will:
- Be at least 18 years old
- In good general health, in addition to having healthy eyes
- Have had a stable eyeglass prescription for at least the year prior to surgery
- Have corneas that are adequately thick and strong
- Be nearsighted or farsighted, with or without astigmatism
Dr. Lee may advise against LASIK if patients have thin or weak corneas or are pregnant or nursing. If he feels that the chances of a successful outcome are poor, he will not perform LASIK on that particular patient.
Contact Dr. Lee to Schedule Your LASIK Consultation
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lee’s success rates in performing LASIK or to schedule a consultation at his eye care practice, please contact our laser vision correction center today.
