Laser Vision Correction has generated a lot of interest.  “LASIK” is the only refractive surgery that I recommend for most patients. PRK gives better results but is a brutal procedure with a longer recovery time. Implantable lenses work better but are much more expensive.  In LASIK a flap is removed from the central cornea and the bed is lasered to reshape the cornea.  The flap is a natural Band-Aid that allows a quick recovery. 

 

The problem with LASIK is that the accuracy of the final prescription is not as good as I would like to see.  Both published results and my clinical observation of LASIK patients do not fit my criteria for fitting contact lenses or glasses.  Most (98-99%) of LASIK patients see well following the surgery but not necessarily great.  The criterion for success is different for LASIK than for glasses or contacts. Being able tell me what the letters are on the 20/20 line is different than seeing them crisply.

 

In order for a patient to be happy with LASIK, they must be aware of the difference in the quality of vision after surgery.  If they are willing to accept a decrease in the quality of vision to gain functionality without correction then there is a 99% chance they will be satisfied with the procedure. 

 

50% of LASIK patients have noticeable side effects that are permanent. Besides increased dryness of the eyes, glare, especially at night, and loss of contrast sensitivity is a significant issue. That is the sharp dark crispness of the vision. Residual prescription or differences in the quality of vision can be noticeable between the two eyes. 

 

If you have a high demand for excellent quality of vision, there is a 49% chance that you may be disappointed at the results, with no recourse to correct it. LASIK will allow you to be visionally functional without correction. It is important that you understand what you are getting into. 

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