Is Blindness a Possibility From Lasik Surgery?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure designed to correct vision in individuals who otherwise rely on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK patients run a small risk of temporary or permanent vision loss from the procedure.

The Facts

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, LASIK works by removing tissue from the outer layer of the eye called the cornea. This removal corrects imperfections in the eye's ability to focus visual information.

LASIK Vision Decrease

• A small percentage of individuals who undergo LASIK experience a noticeable decrease in vision compared to their pre-operative capabilities. This decrease is commonly correctable with a secondary procedure or with glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK Vision Loss

• The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the International Society of Refractive Surgery cite permanent vision loss as a rare side effect of LASIK treatment.

Definition of Blindness

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the term blindness describes lack of vision and can include any loss of vision not correctable by contact lenses or glasses.

Significance

• By this definition, LASIK patients do risk a small possibility of blindness from treatment.