LASIK & Realistic Results

Sorting out “marketing propaganda” from unbiased “evidence-based” information on the Internet

By Craig S. Bindi, M.D.

On this page, I highlight the most common topics that may be misrepresented by “fairy-tale” type advertisements and provide links to detailed evidence-based information (with footnoted references).

Dry Eyes: Being bothered by “Dry Eyes” is one the most common problems that I treat in my ophthalmology practice, especially immediately after LASIK. Luckily, when managed systematically and proactively, these symptoms should be very treatable and temporary. For a detailed description, read LASIK & Dry Eyes

Night vision: If you talk to friends that had LASIK many years ago, they may describe seeing halos or glare at night. More advanced technology has greatly reduced the incidence and severity of these problems. With modern Wavefront LASIK technology, studies show that it is ten times more likely for patients to see better at night after LASIK than they did before LASIK with glasses/contacts. To read about the results of a pertinent scientific study on this topic, read LASIK & Night Vision

LASIK Side Effects & Complications: As a surgeon, safety is my single most important concern. I intentionally make every effort to make laser vision correction as safe as possible. The best way that I know to avoid complications is carefully screen patients prior to surgery, use the best technology with meticulous surgical technique, and to be personally involved with the follow-up care of my patients. Read more about pertinent information regarding LASIK & Safety

Accuracy & Enhancements: The goal of laser vision correction is to eliminate one’s complete dependence on glasses/contact lenses. For most patients this is a very realistic goal. But, even in the best of hands, LASIK is not 100% accurate (on the first attempt). After undergoing LASIK/Epi-LASIK, if a patient still has some residual near-sightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, a re-treatment procedure can fine-tune one’s vision, if desired and appropriate. All objective data reveals that the possibility of a LASIK re-treatment ranges from 2% to 10%. There is a higher chance or needing a re-treatment in patients that have a larger correction, use standard (non-wavefront) LASIK technology, or have a less “detail-oriented” surgeon. The re-treatment rate with standard LASIK ranges from 5-10%. Though standard LASIK has a long track record for effectiveness, newer Wavefront LASIK methods have improved the accuracy of LASIK, and reduced the possibility of a re-treatment to about 2% to 5% (even with a great surgeon and best technology in 2011). In reality, this is a very low percentage and there is no other surgical procedure that can rival the accurate results of LASIK/Epi-LASIK. In my ophthalmology practice, I make every effort to get it right the first time.

Permanence: How long does LASIK last? While laser vision correction does permanently reshape the cornea, other age-related eye changes may eventually occur that can cause vision to decline. On average, LASIK results in clear vision for about ten years or so. If your vision ever becomes unsatisfactory (or declines sooner than you had hoped), we have set up our Wavefront Vision Warranty for your peace of mind.

Near Vision: For patients who are over 40, you should become familiar with the natural age-related condition, called Presbyopia, in which one’s near vision begins to gradually worsen with age. If you use bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses, reading glasses or need to take off your distance glasses for close work, you should read LASIK & Near Vision

Alternatives: LASIK is not for everyone. While our practice has become well known for LASIK procedures, our professional staff of vision specialists will be able to help if another procedure, such as lens implants, is a better choice for you. To learn about alternatives and contraindications to LASIK, read Do Not Have LASIK If…

Conclusion: After considering potential downsides, we should also consider the most common results. The usual LASIK results are quite remarkable, just like your friends have told you! In one clinical trial conducted for the United States FDA, it was shown that 98% of patients that underwent Wavefront LASIK could see “20/20 or better” without glasses after LASIK. In this study, 100% of these patients could see “20/40 or better” after wavefront LASIK, which is good enough to pass the DMV test in California. In another nationwide survey of over 1,800 LASIK patients, 99% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their results.

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Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley
606 Saratoga Avenue
San Jose, California 95129

Laser Eye Center of the East Bay
5790 Stoneridge Mall Road
Pleasanton, California 94588