While LASIK surgical procedures have been used since the 1990s to help people leave their glasses and contacts behind, some people have shied away from the prospect due to concerns about the long-term implications. Unsure if LASIK is truly safe over time, many people have struggled through, living with a dependence on glasses or contacts that simply isn’t necessary. 

The FDA-approved LASIK procedure has now been around long enough that long-term studies have been performed to demonstrate its safety – or lack thereof – over time. Most recently, a Spanish study documented the results of 70 different 

LASIK patients over a 10-year span. The results are highly encouraging for those considering LASIK. Overall, participants in the study had healthy corneas at the end of the study period and most retained highly accurate vision.

At roughly 18 years, LASIK is now considered a tried and tested procedure that can help people correct both near and farsightedness. This simple outpatient procedure can dramatically improve vision in the immediate future and in the long haul, as evidenced by the Spanish study.

Patients who undergo LASIK today will find the technology has improved and so have the overall safety factors that go along with the operation. Thanks to advances in the procedure, stitches are not required, healing is fast and the threat of infection and other complications is very minimal. The surgery calls for a reshaping of the cornea to correct abnormalities that cause problems with vision. 

The operation itself is performed on an outpatient basis, generally in an eye surgeon’s office. Once the procedure is over, patients can go home and will typically be able to return to their normal routine within a day or so. While the results of LASIK can vary from patient to patient, many report 20/20 vision following this procedure. 

To find out more about LASIK, be sure to consult with a qualified eye surgeon. This procedure is suitable for most people, but not all. A doctor can help determine if you are a good candidate for this vision-correcting procedure.