Can you go blind from LASIK?

Can you go blind from LASIK? This is a common question asked by many patients considering vision correction procedures.

I don’t believe that anybody really goes blind from LASIK; The chances of this happening are extremely rare.

The LASIK procedure was introduced in this country 25 years ago. Some of the very early lasers did not have the type of ablation patterns we use in more modern lasers, and some patients did not get the optimal results they wanted. However, more recently, modern lasers are much more sophisticated.

Moreover, instead of using a manual device to create the flap in the cornea, we now use an infrared laser, which creates the flap with extreme precision. This has significantly reduced the risks of going blind from laser eye surgery.

What are the side effects or risks of LASIK?

Having laser eye surgery can reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While some patients may experience dry eye or other side effects or risks of LASIK eye surgery, the success rate is extremely high, and complications are rare. There are many reported cases of patients seeing better immediately following surgery, albeit a bit blurry from the eye drops and medications administered before and during the procedure. While many patients following the procedure state they see as if they are swimming underwater.

What you can expect after LASIK surgery

The day after surgery, however, you will have a post-op exam, and your eye doctor will check your eyes are healing properly as part of your aftercare procedure, as recognised by the American refractive surgery council. Your doctor may also provide additional instructions for aftercare, such as using prescription eye drops to reduce any potential discomfort, avoiding activities that can strain your eyes, and wearing protective eyewear as needed. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of complications.

Take a self-test to find out your eligibility

Rest assured; it’s exceedingly unlikely that LASIK leads to any sight loss. If anything, it improves your sight so you can see clearly without glasses and contact lenses.

Memorial Eye Institute was one of the first, and for three years, the only facility in the entire state of Pennsylvania to perform all-laser LASIK.

If you want to know more about whether you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery, please take our quick self-test today to see if you qualify.