Knowing Lasik Eye Surgery Statistics Can Help Choose Right Doctor

When considering lasik eye surgery to correct vision problems caused by refractive deficiencies, people should first look into the lasik eye surgery statistics compiled by Food and Drug Administration to determine if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. However, since these results are based on a national average, it will be better to talk to local lasik surgeons about their individual lasik eye surgery statistics to help them choose the right doctor.

One factor not considered when the government compiled the lasik eye surgery statistics is the type of equipment used for the procedure. There are two basic types of equipment, but the experience of the surgeon on the equipment they use is the most important aspect of choosing the right doctor. It is also important to know when considering lasik surgery that nationally, about three percent of the patients have reported worse vision than they had before the procedure.

In a majority of states, visual acuity of 20/40 is required for driver license exams with or without corrective lenses. In about 92 percent of the patients who underwent lasik eye surgery, statistics show their vision was corrected to that level. About 55 percent show they experienced 20/20 vision with the surgery. Again, the lasik eye surgery statistics from individual surgeons may vary and potential patients should discuss the laser eye surgery statistics with the surgeon before choosing a surgeon.

All Risks Should Be Considered Before Undergoing Surgery

There are some anticipated risks associated with laser eye surgery, including glare or sensitivity to light, fluctuations in visual acuity and halos. lasik eye surgery statistics show that about three and a half percent experience halos, that is a shadowy light around other lights following the procedure. It should also be pointed out that over one million people undergo lasik surgery a year, making the chance of experience these side effects very low.

Visual fluctuations have been experienced by about two and a half percent of patients and, according to lasik eye surgery statistics, less than two percent suffer from seeing glare or have a sensitivity to light. Dry eye is another expected complication from lasik surgery, but like many of the other side effects, they tend to lessen in severity over time.

On average, a person can expect their vision to be restore to the new level of acuity within three or four months but lasik eye surgery statistics indicate that a few may not experience the full benefit of the surgery for up to a year.