How Safe is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery has been available for decades, but there are still many misconceptions about this procedure. Some people think it's risky or it can't really help them with their vision problems. However, LASIK is effective for many issues, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Best of all, it only takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Refractive surgery is only effective when performed by a trained and experienced board-certified ophthalmologist like Dr. Young H. Choi near Birmingham, AL. When you choose Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center for LASIK, you can be confident knowing you're in good hands. Call for a consultation to learn about LASIK safety and see if you're a good candidate for life-changing laser vision correction!

What's involved with LASIK?

LASIK is a refractive surgery, which means it works by correcting the shape of your cornea so light can better focus on the retina. This improves your vision and lessens your need for aids, like glasses and contact lenses. People love LASIK because they can read, drive, play their favorite sports, and do all the things they love without worrying about their vision.

Dr. Choi begins LASIK eye surgery with an anesthetic, so you don't feel any discomfort. We then use a cutting-edge laser to create a thin flap on the surface of your cornea. Once the area is reshaped, the flap is carefully placed back into position. Our clinic is proud to offer Zeiss VisuMax® femtosecond laser technology for more accuracy and precision.

Is LASIK recovery painful?

No, LASIK recovery is usually very straightforward. Most people experience mild irritation and blurred vision in the first few days after surgery, but this usually clears up quickly. We recommend taking a quick nap after the procedure so you can rest and allow your eyes to heal.

You'll need to avoid rubbing your eyes for a few weeks to prevent any damage to the corneal flap. It's crucial to follow all recovery instructions provided by Dr. Choi and our team near Birmingham, which minimizes your time in recovery and increases your chances of success.

What are the risks involved with LASIK?

LASIK surgery has a 96% success rate, and many of our patients enjoy clearer vision shortly after treatment. Even though your risk of complications is generally very low, Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center takes LASIK safety very seriously and does inform patients about potential risks before moving forward. We also perform thorough examinations to ensure laser vision correction is an effective option for you.

Some of the most common difficulties of refractive surgery include over-or under-correction, glare and halos around lights, and dry eyes. There is also a risk of infection and scars on the cornea if you rub your eyes or don't follow our aftercare instructions. Patients should avoid swimming, strenuous exercise, and contact sports to protect their eyes during this essential healing time.

Learn about LASIK safety

Ready to see if you're a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery? Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Young H. Choi near Birmingham, AL. We'll take a look at your medical history and perform a series of tests to see if this surgery is right for you. Our team at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center is dedicated to providing quality care and helping patients achieve the safe and successful results they want through laser vision correction.