subject: The History, Statistics and Safety of LASIK [print this page]
The safety of LASIK treatment is dependent on numerous factors such as technology,
experience, care, and your doctor. Remember, LASIK is only as good as your doctor.
History and Statistics
October 20, 1995. This represents the exact date that Laser Eye Surgery for Laser Vision Correction of nearsightedness was first performed within the United States under FDA approval of the Excimer Laser. This same Excimer Laser was specifically approved for LASIK in 1998. These dates mean that Laser Vision Correction has been performed for approximately 15 years and LASIK has been performed under FDA approval for a shade over 10 years. LASIK, generally considered to be one of the most successful and safest surgical procedures of any type in the United States, has been performed on an estimated 16,000,000 people across the United States. In 98% of LASIK cases, nearsighted patients can expect to achieve 20/40 vision; over 90% of cases walk out of their treatment with 20/20 or 20/25 vision. The efficacy of the treatment has a proven track record, but what about safety?
Only 3 per 1,000 cases have a loss of best-corrected vision to worse than 20/40. Serious complications from LASIK are even more rare than that; less than 1 per 1,000 cases suffer from infection or corneal damage. The record of safety and efficacy of LASIK are proven, but there is more to safety than the Laser.
Your Doctor - The Ultimate Key To Safety
Sure, FDA approval provides you with assurances that the Excimer Laser is safe and effective for LASIK treatment. However, the FDA cannot regulate physician practices nor get in the way of the practice of medicine. Therefore, the FDA cannot regulate the exam the doctor provides you nor can the FDA vouch for the effectiveness or thoroughness of the examination. In short, the FDA does not provide any of the following assurances:
1. Your doctor will review all possible risks and complications from LASIK treatment
2. FDA does not guarantee nor imply that the doctor will use appropriate screening and decision criteria to approve your candidacy for LASIK.
3. Again, the FDA cannot regulate the exam process. Therefore, the FDA does not guarantee nor imply the exam is as comprehensive as it could or should be.
When considering a doctor for LASIK treatment, there is no more important factor than deciding on the correct doctor. Ultimately, it is your doctor who will make the treatment safe and effective. Undoubtedly, you have seen slick advertising for "low- cost" LASIK, such as $299 or $599. Do not make the mistake of choosing a doctor on advertising hype or price point marketing. The relevant factors in choosing a LASIK doctor are; reputation; experience; technology; and, perhaps most importantly, your comfort level with the doctor during your exam and consult.
What to Look for in Your Doctor:
The doctor should understand that he or she would always be the most important component that contributes to the safety and success of a LASIK treatment. They should understand this wholeheartedly. You should be able rest easy in the knowledge after you check and know that your doctor is fully credentialed to perform LASIK. Be sure to educate yourself and research your doctor thoroughly before you make the decision to perform this life-changing LASIK treatment on your eyes.
