Can you go blind from LASIK?

I don’t believe that anybody really goes blind from LASIK.

A common question asked by many patients is can you go blind from LASIK? The answer: I don’t believe that anyone really goes blind from LASIK. The chances of this happening are extremely rare.

The LASIK procedure was introduced in this country 25 years ago. Some of the very early lasers did not have the type of ablation patterns that we use in more modern lasers, and some patients did not get the optimal results that they would want. However, more recently, modern lasers are much more sophisticated.

Additionally, instead of making the flap in the layer of the cornea with a manual device, which we call a keratome, we now use an infrared laser, which creates the flap with extreme precision and so this surgical procedure has effectively minimized the risk of any serious complications.

Having laser eye surgery can reduce patients’ dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Also, another common query following LASIK is whether you may or may not experience problems with night vision after. Keep in mind, however, that it is perfectly normal for your night vision to be reduced for a week or so after undergoing LASIK surgery.

Many see better immediately following surgery, albeit a bit blurry from the eye drops and medications administered before and during the procedure. While many patients following the procedure state they see as if they are swimming underwater.

The day after surgery, however, you will have a post-op exam and your doctor will check your eyes are healing properly as part of your aftercare procedure, as recognised by the American refractive surgery council.

The success rate is extremely high for laser eye surgery, and LASIK complications are rare. That said, as with any surgical, there is always a slight chance of risk and the possibility that complications can occur. So rest assured, it’s exceedingly unlikely that LASIK leads to any sight loss. If anything, it improves your sight so you can see clearly without glasses and contact lenses.

Memorial Eye Institute was one of the first, and for three years, the only facility in the entire state of Pennsylvania to perform all-laser LASIK.

If you want to know more about whether you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery, please take our quick self-test today to see if you qualify.