4T O P 1 0 C O N C E R N S P E O P L E H A V E A B O U T L A S I K CONCERN #1 I need to put off having LASIK until it’s been perfected. Since LASIK was first introduced in 1999, an estimated 16 million people in the U.S. and 25 million people worldwide have undergone the procedure with excellent results. It is a remarkably successful, FDA-approved procedure that is the gold standard for patients who want to permanently correct their vision and reduce or even eliminate their need for glasses and contacts. In fact, LASIK is approved by the U.S. Military for servicemen and women, and by NASA for astronauts. Did you know that LASIK is the most intensively researched and studied elective surgical procedure in all of medicine? Most patients can expect a greater than 90% chance of achieving 20/20 vision without correction following LASIK. CONCERN #2 LASIK is too risky. Could I permanently damage my eyesight? No surgery is risk-free, but according to an extensive, multi-center study undertaken by the FDA and the US Department of Defense and reported in 2014, LASIK has an excellent record of visual results, minimal risks/complications and very high patient satisfaction. More than 95 percent of patients in the study achieved 20/20 vision or better after their procedure and all were very satisfied with their results. Realistically, the only completely risk-free vision correction is wearing glasses. While safe in the vast majority of patients, risks of complications with contact lenses are well documented and have the potential for problems related to improper use or poor hygiene which can lead to infections of the cornea. In addition, contact lens solution has the potential for contamination, which could be damaging to eyesight. And, recent studies are finding that prolonged use of contact lenses may contribute to other vision challenges. 10