How Many People Have Had Laser Eye Surgery?
Since its introduction over thirty years ago, Laser Eye Surgery has established itself as one of the world’s most popular elective procedures. This increasing popularity can be attributed to the ongoing development of the procedure, making Laser Eye Surgery ever more accessible all around the world. But how many people have had Laser Eye Surgery and why do so many choose to go under the laser?
The original Laser Eye Surgery procedures, LASEK and PRK, were first performed in the late 1980s following extensive developments in refractive surgery. Soon after, LASIK – which would become the most commonly performed Laser Eye Surgery procedure – was rolled out. Finally, in 2012, the latest innovation in Laser Eye Surgery – a keyhole procedure called ReLEx SMILE – was developed.
While these three techniques have their differences, they all aim to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This is done by employing ultra-precise lasers to change the shape of the cornea. The treatment is highly successful allowing many patients to ditch their glasses and contact lenses once and for all.
Tens of millions of people around the world have now had Laser Eye Surgery, including many famous faces. In fact, it is estimated that over 100,000 Laser Eye Surgery procedures are carried out every year in the UK alone!
So, why do so many people opt for Laser Eye Surgery?
A Low-Risk Procedure
Part of Laser Eye Surgery’s popularity is undoubtedly owed to its relative safety. While undergoing any kind of surgery can be daunting -and even more so when you’re awake – the risk of anything going wrong is very low. To put this into perspective, it is estimated that the risk of even a minor compromise to your vision is in the region of 1 in 1,000. The risk of experiencing a complication that couldn’t be corrected by an expert surgeon is even less likely.
Moreover, while there is technically an exceedingly low risk of blindness as a result of Laser Eye Surgery, this is lower than the risk from wearing monthly contact lenses for a year!
Provides Greater Freedom than Glasses and Contacts
Anyone who has worn glasses or contact lenses for any length of time will be well aware of their shortcomings. Glasses prevent you from participating in a huge number of activities, they steam up when you’re cooking or simply walking into a room, and then there’s the constant risk of breakage and loss. On the other hand, contact lenses come with strict regimes that can prevent you from being spontaneous, and water-based activities on holiday are always a risky game.
In comparison, having Laser Eye Surgery can feel like you are finally breaking free of the shackles of your refractive error. After your recovery (which is typically much shorter than you might expect!), you will be free to play all the sports, activities, and travelling you like – without ever having to think about the burden of your glasses or contacts.
A Boost to Your Confidence
The added freedom that can be achieved with Laser Eye Surgery is great, but for many people, the procedure is as much about boosting their confidence. While glasses now come in all manner of frames, colours, and styles, some people simply don’t like how they look in glasses. For others, contact lenses aren’t an option – whether due to having dry eyes or a complicated prescription.
Laser Eye Surgery can do away with these worries. If you have always hated wearing glasses, having your refractive error corrected can give you that boost of confidence you need to live your life to the fullest!
With relatively minimal risks, affordable costs, and an extensive list of benefits, it’s no wonder so many people have had the procedure. And as the technology, safety, and effectiveness continue to increase, Laser Eye Surgery only becomes even more popular.
To see what all the fuss is about, why not get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators? Alternatively, Book a Consultation today and start your journey to clear, glasses-free vision.