Weighing the Advantages & Potential Disadvantages of LASIK
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Anthony Nappi / Published March 28, 2023
LASIK is one of the most well-known vision correction procedures. It’s quick, safe, and virtually painless. However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. Weighing the pros and cons of LASIK can help you determine if it’s right for you.
Pros:
- Improved vision: LASIK surgery can significantly improve your vision, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
- Quick recovery time: Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure.
- Safe and effective: LASIK surgery is a safe and effective procedure that has been performed for many years with great success rates.
- Long-lasting results: LASIK surgery provides long-lasting results, and most patients experience a permanent improvement in their vision.
Cons:
- Cost: LASIK surgery can be expensive and is often not covered by insurance.
- Risks and side effects: Although rare, LASIK surgery can have risks and side effects, including dry eyes, glare, halos, and difficulty seeing at night.
- Not everyone is a candidate: Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery. People with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or unstable vision, may not be able to undergo the procedure.
- Possible need for additional surgeries: In some cases, additional surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Overall, LASIK surgery can be a life-changing procedure for those who are good candidates and willing to undergo the risks associated with the procedure. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of LASIK surgery with a qualified eye doctor before deciding whether it is the right choice for you.
Are there top advantages of Lasik?
Yes, there are several big advantages to laser vision correction surgery:
- Improved vision: The main benefit of LASIK surgery is improved vision. For many people, this means that they no longer need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.
- Convenience: LASIK surgery can save you time and hassle by eliminating the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
- Cost savings: Over time, LASIK surgery can be cost-effective because it eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses, which can be expensive to replace over time.
- Increased self-confidence: For many people, the freedom of not needing glasses or contact lenses can lead to increased self-confidence and a better quality of life.
- Quick recovery time: Most people recover from LASIK surgery quickly, and the procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis.
- Long-lasting results: LASIK surgery provides long-lasting results, with most people experiencing improved vision for many years.
What are the disadvantages I should know about when considering LASIK?
When considering LASIK surgery, there are several potential disadvantages or risks that you should be aware of, including:
- Dry eyes: After LASIK surgery, some people may experience dry eyes, which can be uncomfortable and may require ongoing treatment.
- Glare and halos: Some people may experience glare and halos around lights, particularly at night. This can be temporary or permanent and can affect driving and other activities.
- Undercorrection or overcorrection: In some cases, LASIK surgery may not fully correct your vision, or may overcorrect it, leading to the need for additional procedures or continued use of glasses or contact lenses.
- Flap complications: During LASIK surgery, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea. Rarely, this flap may become dislodged or damaged, requiring additional surgery to repair.
- Infection: Like any surgery, LASIK carries a risk of infection, although this is rare.
- Not suitable for everyone: LASIK surgery may not be suitable for everyone, including people with certain medical conditions or very high prescriptions.
- Cost: LASIK surgery can be expensive and is often not covered by insurance.
What type of people benefit from LASIK eye surgery the most and why?
LASIK eye surgery is most beneficial for people who have mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. People with these conditions often experience significant improvement in their vision after LASIK surgery.
Additionally, LASIK surgery may be particularly beneficial for people who:
- Have an active lifestyle: People who enjoy sports, outdoor activities, or other active pursuits may find that LASIK surgery allows them to participate in these activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.
- Have a job that requires good vision: People whose jobs require good vision, such as pilots, military personnel, or police officers, may find that LASIK surgery improves their ability to perform their job.
- Are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses: Many people find glasses and contact lenses to be uncomfortable or inconvenient, and may benefit from the freedom that LASIK surgery provides.
- Have a stable prescription: LASIK surgery is most effective for people whose vision prescription has been stable for at least a year. This ensures that the surgery is based on an accurate assessment of your vision needs.
- Are in good overall health: People who are in good overall health and do not have underlying medical conditions that could affect their healing may be good candidates for LASIK surgery.
It’s important to talk to an experienced eye doctor to determine if LASIK surgery is the right choice for you, based on your individual needs and health status.
Are there any serious risks and what are the statistics?
While LASIK eye surgery is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure, like any surgery, it does carry some risks. Serious complications are rare, but they can occur. Here are some of the most serious risks associated with LASIK surgery, along with the statistics:
- Infection: In rare cases, LASIK surgery can lead to an infection, which can cause serious vision problems. The risk of infection is estimated to be less than 1%.
- Flap complications: During LASIK surgery, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea. In rare cases, this flap may become dislodged or damaged, which can lead to vision loss. The risk of flap complications is estimated to be less than 1%.
- Vision loss: In very rare cases, LASIK surgery can lead to a loss of vision. This risk is estimated to be less than 1 in 10,000 cases.
- Dry eyes: After LASIK surgery, some people may experience dry eyes, which can be uncomfortable and may require ongoing treatment. The risk of dry eyes after LASIK surgery is estimated to be around 20%.
- Glare and halos: Some people may experience glare and halos around lights, particularly at night. This can be temporary or permanent and can affect driving and other activities. The risk of glare and halos after LASIK surgery is estimated to be around 5%.
Wondering if LASIK is Worth It?
Even if you decide the pros of LASIK outweigh the cons, you might be worried about the cost. While most insurance plans don’t cover the procedure, financing options are available. Additionally, without the need to purchase glasses or contacts anymore (or as strong as a prescription as before), LASIK offers long-term savings. Over time, you can save more than you’ll spend correcting your vision with laser surgery.
Learn more about the cost of LASIK and calculate your potential lifetime savings.
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