Is laser eye surgery safe?
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: Is it safe?
At Elite LASIK & Cataract in Indianapolis, we know your eyes are precious. Choosing to have surgery on them is a big decision—and you deserve straight answers. Let’s take a look at the safety of laser vision correction, the risks, and how we work to make the procedure as safe as possible.
First things first: Yes, laser eye surgery is safe
Laser eye surgery has been performed safely for over 30 years. Millions of people around the world—including pilots, athletes, and surgeons—have trusted their eyes to this procedure.
The most common types include:
These procedures are FDA-approved and have excellent track records. In fact, studies show that over 96% of patients are satisfied with their results. Complications are rare—and serious complications are even rarer.
What makes laser eye surgery safe?
Several key factors contribute to its safety:
1. Modern technology
We use state-of-the-art, bladeless lasers that offer incredible precision and reduce the risk of complications.
2. Experienced surgeons
Our board-certified eye surgeons have years of experience and have helped thousands of people achieve clear vision safely.
3. Careful screening
Not everyone is a good candidate. We’ll perform detailed eye scans and health checks to make sure laser eye surgery is safe for you specifically.
Are there any risks?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks. The most common side effects include:
- Dry eyes (usually temporary)
- Halos or glare at night
- Mild discomfort in the first few days
- Slight under- or over-correction (can often be fixed with a touch-up).
These side effects usually fade as your eyes heal. Most people recover without issue and enjoy years of clear, glasses-free vision.
What are the chances of something going wrong?
The risk of serious complications—like infection or permanent vision loss—is very low. In skilled hands, laser eye surgery is one of the safest elective procedures available.
That said, following your surgeon’s post-op instructions is key. Don’t rub your eyes, avoid swimming for a few weeks, and use your eye drops as directed.
Is one procedure safer than another?
All three—LASIK, PRK, and SMILE—are safe when performed on the right eyes.
- LASIK has a fast recovery and is the most widely performed
- SMILE involves a smaller incision and is great for people with dry eyes or active lifestyles
- PRK is often best for thin corneas or certain eye shapes.
Your surgeon will recommend the safest and most effective option based on your test results.
Is laser eye surgery safe long-term?
Yes. Laser eye surgery permanently reshapes your cornea, and the results are long-lasting. However, your eyes still age naturally, and you may develop:
- Presbyopia (needing reading glasses after 40)
- Cataracts (usually later in life)
These are normal age-related changes and not caused by laser eye surgery.
Who shouldn’t get laser eye surgery?
You may not be eligible if you:
- Are under 18
- Have a changing prescription
- Have thin corneas or severe dry eye
- Have certain eye conditions like keratoconus or advanced glaucoma
- Have autoimmune conditions that affect healing.
We screen for all of this in your consultation. We’ll only recommend surgery if we know it’s safe for you.
Bottom line
Laser eye surgery is extremely safe when done by experienced professionals using the right technology. At Elite LASIK & Cataract, your safety is always our top priority.
Wondering if it’s safe for your eyes?
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
