What is the laser eye surgery risk percentage?

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s only natural to have questions about the associated risks. You may wonder, “What is the laser eye surgery risk percentage?” In this blog, we’ll delve into the topic and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding laser eye surgery risks

Laser eye surgery, including procedures like LASIK surgery and PRK, has evolved over the years to become a highly safe and effective form of refractive surgery.¹Sabau. et al. Efficacy, safety, and predictability of transepithelial… : Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, LWW. However, like any medical procedure, it does carry some degree of potential risk. It’s important to understand these risks and place them in context, especially if you currently rely on glasses or contact lenses and are exploring alternatives.

Common risks and side effects

• Dry Eyes: It’s quite common to experience temporary dryness or discomfort after laser eye surgery. Your surgeon will provide eye drops to manage this and ensure a comfortable recovery.
• Glare and Halos: Some patients may notice glare, halos, double vision or sensitivity to light, especially in low-light conditions. These effects usually diminish as your eyes heal.²https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0886335002018163
• Infection: Although uncommon, there is a small risk of infection. Surgeons follow strict safety protocols to help minimise this risk.³https://www.londonvisionclinic.com/laser-eye-treatments/eye-surgery-risks/
• Undercorrection or Overcorrection: In some cases, the procedure may not correct your vision to the desired level. Enhancement procedures can address this if necessary.

Extremely low risk of severe complications

The risk of severe complications, such as permanent loss of vision, is extremely rare at 1%.⁴https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/lasik-complication-rate-side-effects/ It’s also important to recognise that this figure includes all types of complications, and the actual complication rate for modern LASIK surgery is far lower today due to technological advances. While LASIK complications are very rare, they can include prolonged dry eye, inflammation, or vision problems such as ghosting or night glare. These usually resolve with proper care and follow‑up.

When discussing the success rate, it helps to understand that outcomes depend on individual factors, including eye health, prescription, corneal shape, and healing response, not just the procedure itself.

Your individual risk assessment

It’s crucial to understand that the laser eye surgery risk percentage varies from person to person. Your safety and successful outcome depend on several factors:

• • Eye Health: Existing conditions, such as dry eye or inflammation, may influence suitability.
  • Prescription: The degree of your refractive error plays a role.
  • Age: Different procedures may be recommended for different age groups.
  • Surgeon’s Experience: The skill and experience of your surgeon are key factors in ensuring your safety and success.

To further reduce your risk, your surgeon will carefully screen for any conditions that could affect your outcome. This may include testing for dry eye, measuring corneal thickness, and checking for signs of irregularity. Patients who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery may be offered alternative procedures that are more suitable.

In some cases, postponing or avoiding surgery altogether is the safest choice and that decision will always be made in your best interest. Our goal is to match the right patient with the right procedure at the right time, to support the best possible result.

Take the first step

To assess your individual risk and determine if laser eye surgery is right for you, we recommend booking a free assessment with us.

During the assessment, we will thoroughly evaluate your eye health and discuss your visual goals. We’ll address any concerns you may have, including questions about risk, healing, and what to expect after surgery. It’s the first step in helping you understand whether refractive surgery aligns with your needs.

Your journey toward clearer vision begins with good information and a careful conversation about your eyes.