LASIK Safety and Patient Satisfaction

Laser Eye Surgery is considered to be among the safest elective surgical procedures to date. And with over 100,000 procedures performed each year in the UK alone, it is also the most common. With all that in mind, we’re taking a closer look at the safety and patient satisfaction of LASIK – the most popular Laser Eye Surgery procedure.

What is LASIK?

LASIK – laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis – is an advanced form of refractive surgery that employs high-precision lasers to reshape the cornea. It is one of three main Laser Eye Surgery techniques, and the most commonly performed.

LASIK was first developed in the late 1980s and was soon available to patients with myopia (short-sightedness). Following further developments, LASIK also became an option for patients with hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. In 2009, Carl Zeiss implemented PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision – which was developed by our very own Professor Dan Reinstein – in their lasers, allowing the treatment of presbyopia with LASIK surgery.

In LASIK, a high-precision laser (called a femtosecond laser) is used to create a thin “flap” on the surface of the cornea. A second (excimer) laser is then used to remove specific areas of tissue to reshape the cornea. These changes help to adjust the way light is reflected into the eye, correcting refractive errors.

Once the treatment is complete, the corneal flap is put back in place and the healing process begins instantaneously! The whole procedure takes around 15 minutes, with the flap effectively healing within only a few hours.

Is LASIK Safe?

LASIK is generally considered a safe procedure – particularly when compared to other surgical procedures. For example, when compared to its predecessors – the surface procedures PRK and LASEK – LASIK offers shorter treatment times, improved recovery times, and a lower risk of complications.

All Laser Eye Surgery procedures, including LASIK, have a risk of side effects and complications. The most common side effects of LASIK are post-operative dry eyes and night vision disturbances. These effects are usually easily managed with eye drops and other precautions and usually resolve themselves as the eye heals after surgery.

Today, over 90% of patients who are suitable for Laser Eye Surgery are eligible for LASIK Laser Eye Surgery. However, for many patients who are not suitable for LASIK – for example, due to having thin corneas or dry eyes – alternative treatments are available.

Many patients who have LASIK surgery notice an immediate improvement in their vision. However, it is normal to experience fluctuations as the eyes make their full recovery. Nonetheless, the majority of patients are able to return to work and many routine activities within just 24 hours of their treatment.

Patient Satisfaction

The best way to communicate the safety and effectiveness of LASIK surgery is through hearing what patients themselves have to say. Here at London Vision Clinic, we maintain a rich collection of patient testimonials to help those considering treatment feel completely at ease.

We also believe in complete transparency and clarity when it comes to publishing our statistical results. Therefore, you can find all our results in clear, detailed, separated tables for you to easily make comparisons with other clinics.

Just take a look at what some of our past patients had to say about LASIK and their experience at London Vision Clinic:

“4 months post-op LASIK & my eyesight is amazing & my lazy eye is fixed, I couldn’t be happier, a truly great investment! …It has transformed the way I live & feel, no more not being able to see in the morning & bad vision driving at night.”

– Heidi (2021)

“I had Lasik surgery 12 months ago, and it’s worth every penny. I had blended vision, one eye for long distance and the other for short. I only had minimal pain after the surgery … which lasted only a few hours. I’m delighted! The staff were extremely friendly and made the experience just a breeze.”

– Michelle (2023)

“I had LASIK eye surgery with Dr. Glenn Carp almost four months ago now and I’m so pleased with the results! From the initial consultation to the painless procedure and the outstanding aftercare, I simply cannot fault anything at all.”

– Natasha (2023)

“From start to finish, the London Vision Clinic made getting my LASIK surgery a pleasant and hassle-free experience… The surgery itself, LASIK in my case, was quick, pain-free and completely successful. Finally being able to throw away my glasses after 30 years is such a joy.”

– Adam (2019)

If you would like to learn more about LASIK or any of the other treatments offered at the London Vision Clinic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators, or Book a Consultation by completing the form below.