Expectations and Risks

We cannot guarantee perfect 20/20 vision after the procedure because we do not know how you will heal.  Our goal is to make you less dependent upon your glasses and contact lenses.  You may not be able to eliminate them altogether.  You may need them for situational needs, such as driving and reading.  You can expect to wear reading glasses once you get into your 40’s and 50’s due to a natural aging process called Presbyopia, which cannot be corrected with the procedure. 

Enhancement procedures are sometimes needed when a patient ends up under– or over-corrected.  They are needed in about 10-15% of patients.  Our Optometrist will monitor your vision throughout your post-operative exams.  If he finds that your vision is 20/40 or worse and is stable, he will discuss the option of an enhancement with you.  We will know whether you are a candidate for an enhancement around 3 to 6 months after your original procedure.

LASIK has become one of North America’s most frequently performed surgeries. Any surgery, however, has risks. The chance of having a vision reducing complication has been documented in a number of clinical studies to be minimal.  Remember, millions of people have had excellent results from laser vision correction.  Some potential complications include conditions such as dryness, complications in making the surgical flap, night glare, under or over-correction, and loss of best-corrected vision.  It is our hope to educate you as to what those problems may be so that you can make an informed decision whether or not to proceed with the procedure.  At Rx Optical and TLC, these and other risks of the surgery are discussed fully with the patient prior to the procedure.  Proper pre-operative screening ensures that we proceed with the procedure only when it is medically advisable.  As well, diligent post-operative care helps to identify and address any potential healing complications. 

Please visit the FDA Web site (www.fda.gov/CDRH/LASIK) which provides additional, unbiased information on the LASIK procedure.  By outlining the risks of LASIK, this site emphasizes the possibility of needing an additional treatment or eyeglasses to achieve 20/20 vision, the chance that improvements may only be temporary, and the possibility of permanently losing vision.  

No one ever believes that they will be in the small percentage of people that develops a significant complication, so it is important for all candidates to appreciate that there are truly no guarantees.