Is LASIK Dangerous?
July 21, 2021
LASIK is one of the most effective and safe options for those who want to improve their vision without needing glasses or contacts. The first step when looking for an improvement in your eyesight is to contact Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology and set up an appointment to explore your options and whether you are a candidate for LASIK surgery. No matter how effective you believe LASIK will be for you, it’s helpful to have a good understanding of the procedure before your first appointment.
Facts About Lasik
The LASIK procedure as we know it was first approved by the FDA in 1998, and has since been used on more than an estimated 17 million occasions in the United States alone. The sheer number of times LASIK has been used is a sign of both the success and safety of the procedure that uses laser technology to restore a higher standard of vision. We pride ourselves on the safety and effectiveness of our LASIK procedures. In fact, many physicians and nurses travel from around the country to have their LASIK procedures done right here at Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology.
The Safety of LASIK
Over the course of the first decade of use in the US, the FDA spent a large amount of time completing clinical trials designed to test the safety and effectiveness of LASIK eye surgery. Between 1996 and 2005, the FDA studied the effects and results of more than 9,000 patients in its clinical trials to ensure the effectiveness of LASIK.
This is a sign of the concern the FDA had over the use of LASIK, but it has been cleared for use for over 20 years. Since then, there have been more than 7,000 peer-reviewed studies into the safety and effectiveness of LASIK with little concern raised about its continued use. LASIK has taken a huge amount of research to heart and is being used to help create new procedures for determining who is a good candidate for surgery.
Trusting the Procedure
There are several reasons why LASIK surgery is trustworthy and safe. The first reason for this is the fact that the LASIK procedure begins with a range of examinations undertaken by the patient to ensure they are a good candidate for laser eye surgery. After establishing a patient is a good candidate, the doctor will produce a high-definition map of their eye that is used to guide the equipment during the procedure.
Even the laser technology used in LASIK surgery is of the highest quality, with the software and equipment being developed by NASA for docking the space shuttle. The ultraviolet light gently removes tissue from the surface of the eye to improve the eyesight of the patient.
Like all surgeries, there will be risks involved in the use of LASIK. However, the incidents of problems remain extremely low as this form of LASER surgery continues to be used and proves to be highly effective.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in LASIK and want to know if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen at Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology. Call (703) 534-4393 or request your appointment online.
