We would like to be able to tell you that LASIK, PRK and other laser vision correction procedures can be performed without risk, but that's the case. There is some risk. However, the reason that LASIK is the most frequently performed elective procedure in the world today is that the risk is very small.
In 2006, researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University published an article in the American Medical Association's peer-reviewed journal, Archives of Ophthalmology, that estimated the number of LASIK patients who lose more than 2 lines of vision on the eye chart at 1 in 10,000. The interesting comparison they made was to patients who wore contact lenses, as they found that the lifetime risk of vision loss from contact lens wear is 1 in 2,000 – five times greater – due to the frequent occurrence of contact lens related infections.
To further illustrate LASIK's excellent safety profile, consider another common risk measurement – the chance of being struck by lightning. According to the National Weather Service, the lifetime risk of being struck by lightning is 1 in 3,000. Therefore, it is more than three times as likely you will be struck by lightning than lose more than two lines of vision on the eye chart with LASIK.
At Eye Center of La Jolla, we are very conservative and avoid risks. After all, these are your eyes we are talking about! So, unless you really “have had enough problems with your contact lenses and spending thousands of dollars on glasses” and ONLY AND ONLY IF your evaluation suggests a VERY VERY LOW RISK for having problems, then we will consider doing your surgery. For example, it is very common for us to suggest that you wait until the age of 25 or older to have your laser procedure done. Not only does this give you better chances of a long-term success with LASIK and less regression back to needing glasses again, but also studies indicate that LASIK is safer when done in people over the age of 25. When gray-zone issues arise, we often recommend for our patients to wait until we can offer a better treatment option. Overall, we turn down about 30% of our San Diego, La Jolla, Chula Vista, and Oceanside LASIK patients who seek our services, and we are often thanked more profusely for being extracautious by those we don't operate on. SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR FIRST PRIORITY!
Before your procedure, we will discuss your individual risk profile with you. We pride ourselves at providing you the information you need to make an informed decision and that is why you get to meet with the surgeon on every visit. Try doing your own research: If you know someone who had LASIK at one of the big centers around San Diego, ask them “whether they ever saw their LASIK surgeon again after the surgery was over?” This is eye surgery and the discussion is always held directly with your surgeon from the day of your consultation to the final post-operative visit.
