LASIK Basics

Is LASIK safe?

Quick Answer: Yes, LASIK is FDA-approved and considered safe. The PROWL study shows 96-99% patient satisfaction rates with serious complications being rare.

See our glossary for plain-language definitions of terms such as cornea, tear film, and enhancement.

LASIK is one of the most studied elective procedures in medicine, with an excellent safety record spanning over 25 years.

FDA Approval and Studies

LASIK was FDA-approved in 1999 after rigorous clinical trials. The FDA's PROWL (Patient-Reported Outcomes With LASIK) study, completed in 2014, found:

96-99% of patients were satisfied with their results
Less than 1% experienced significant visual symptoms that weren't present before surgery
Over 97% achieved 20/20 vision or better

Safety Statistics

Complication rate: Less than 1% experience serious complications
Vision loss: Extremely rare (less than 0.1%)
Enhancement rate: A minority of patients may need a touch-up procedure; published modern estimates are commonly cited in the low single digits, higher for larger prescriptions or older-generation treatments
Infection rate: Less than 0.1% with proper post-operative care

Factors That Improve Safety

1. Surgeon experience: Choose a surgeon who has performed thousands of procedures
2. Technology: Modern lasers with eye-tracking improve precision
3. Proper screening: Thorough pre-operative exams identify unsuitable candidates
4. Following instructions: Proper aftercare reduces complications