Results & Longevity
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What is the LASIK success rate?
Quick Answer: In published studies, over 99% of patients reach 20/40 or better (legal driving vision) and roughly 90-96% reach 20/20 or better, depending on prescription and technology. Satisfaction rates are 96-99% in the FDA PROWL studies.
LASIK has one of the highest success and satisfaction rates of any elective procedure.
Visual Outcomes
20/20 Vision Achievement
- 90-96% achieve 20/20 or better in published series (higher with modern lasers and lower prescriptions)
- 99%+ achieve 20/40 or better (legal to drive)
- Higher for lower prescriptions
- Results vary by initial prescription
By Prescription Level
| Prescription | 20/20 Achievement |
|---|---|
| Low (-1 to -3) | 98%+ |
| Moderate (-3 to -6) | 96-98% |
| High (-6 to -9) | 92-96% |
| Very High (-9+) | 85-92% |
Patient Satisfaction
FDA PROWL Study
- 96% satisfied at 3 months
- 99% would recommend LASIK
- <1% reported significant problems
Long-Term Satisfaction
- Remains high at 10+ years
- Most "dissatisfaction" from presbyopia (natural aging)
- Enhancement procedures maintain satisfaction
Enhancement Rates
- About 10% may need enhancement
- Usually within first 1-2 years
- Higher for high prescriptions
- Enhancement success rate: 95%+
What Affects Success
Patient Factors
- Following pre/post-op instructions
- Realistic expectations
- Good healing response
- Stable prescription pre-surgery
Technical Factors
- Surgeon experience
- Technology used
- Proper patient selection
- Accurate measurements
Defining "Success"
Success can mean:
- Achieving target vision
- Freedom from glasses/contacts
- Satisfaction with outcome
- No significant complications
Related LASIK Surgeons
JW
Jonathan Woolfson, MD
Woolfson Eye Institute
M. Farooq Ashraf, MD, FACS
Atlanta Vision Institute
ES
Evan S. Loft, MD
Eye Consultants of Atlanta
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