Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Is LASIK Worth It?
LASIK has become a mainstream and routine eye surgery for millions of people the world over. As with any surgery, the LASIK operation is not without potential complications and risk; however, with the right medical team, the benefits of this procedure can be life changing.
Who is Eligible for LASIK?
It is important to note that not everyone is an ideal LASIK eye surgery candidate. The process is most effective for certain types of eyesight conditions and the overall health of individuals. Some of the requirements include, but are not limited to, a patient must be at least 18 years old, the individual must meet the guidelines approved by the FDA, a healthy retina, a stable prescription for at least a year and the patient cannot be a nursing mother or pregnant.
LASIK Benefits
Statistically speaking, LASIK is significantly less likely than short-term or long-term use of contact lens to cause infection that can negatively impair vision. For those who wear contact lens the chances of visual infection are 1 in 2,000 and for those who have LASIK treatment the chances are 1 in 10,000. The initial cost is a one-time expense rather than a monthly and annually recurring expense incurred by persons with contacts, glasses, saline solution and other eyesight maintenance required with poor vision. LASIK patients no longer face inconvenient situations when a contact is lost or glasses are broken during important or potentially dangerous moments in life such as professional meetings or driving.
The Risks of LASIK Surgery
This life-changing surgery is not without risk. It is possible that an individual may have to undergo an additional surgery within 10 years due to overcorrection, regression or under-correction. A small percentage of people who participate in this eyesight-enhancing surgery may still be required to wear glasses or contacts after the procedure. It is possible some symptoms such as dry eyes or visual effects may occur. In worst-case, and highly rare, scenarios an individual may have worse eyesight than before the operation. And, this is an elective surgery that is not covered by most insurance policies; therefore, all expenses will likely be paid in full out-of-pocket.
The benefits far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of LASIK patients with success rates of varying degrees at over 94 percent with roughly 85 percent achieving 20/20 vision or even better. For those who are eligible, this is a personal decision that each individual must make after speaking with a medical professional further about every risk and every benefit. Each case is as unique as the individual alongside their health and safety.
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Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar Land
15200 S.W. Freeway, Suite 130Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
346-547-7070
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
936-647-1610
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620