The people of Washington, DC know that we offer state-of-the-art vision correction surgery, able to enhance vision and improve a person’s quality of life. We pride ourselves on offering safe and effective solutions for common eye care needs.
LASIK surgery is a popular treatment for poor vision, and it has helped millions of people see clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. Let’s go over the basics of LASIK and then answer a common question we get from patients: Can I get 20/20 vision through LASIK surgery?
How LASIK Surgery Works
LASIK is a refractive surgery procedure. During LASIK surgery, a small flap is created in the topmost layer of the cornea (the epithelium). The flap is lifted and the overall shape of the cornea is adjusted thanks to the use of a surgical laser. By adjusting the shape of the cornea, light passes through the eyes and focuses on the retinas properly.
LASIK is an effective treatment for refractive errors, which you may know better as follows:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
How Effective Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is highly effective at treating refractive errors. Patients who undergo LASIK are able to see clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.
The Likelihood of 20/20 Vision
First things first, 20/20 vision after LASIK is no guarantee. Many patient who undergo LASIK will experience 20/20 vision, but certainly not all. The numbers can vary to some degree, though it’s estimated that 80% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision thanks to the surgery. In addition, 95% of patients will achieve 20/40 vision or better.
The overall results of LASIK will typically depend on the degree of refractive error that a person suffers from heading into LASIK surgery.
The Potential for Vision Better Than 20/20
Though rarer than 20/20 vision results, there is a chance that a LASIK patient will experience vision that is better than 20/20 after they undergo LASIK. The development of digital mapping technology and all-laser, computer-guided refractive surgery has increased the likelihood of 20/20 vision and greater-than-20/20 vision.
Once again, we should point out that these results are rare, and the likelihood of better-than-20/20 vision is determined by the nature of your refractive error prior to LASIK surgery.
Realistic Expectations About LASIK Results
Knowing that 20/20 vision is no guarantee after LASIK is just one way that we help ensure realistic expectations about the procedure and what is involved. Patients who go into LASIK with realistic expectations are more likely to be satisfied with the final results and have a healing and recovery process that is free from serious complications.
Is LASIK Surgery Right for Me?
LASIK is a great option for vision correction and enhancement, though it is not for everyone. To find out if it is an ideal solution for you and your needs, it’s important to visit our practice for a consultation. We can assess your corneal shape and thickness and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If LASIK is not ideal for you, an alternative refractive surgery procedure such as PRK might be recommended.
Learn More About LASIK Surgery
To learn more about LASIK and how it can help you see clearly without the aid of prescription glasses, be sure to contact an experienced laser eye surgeon and vision correction specialist. We will work with you to improve the way you see the world.
