How safe is LASIK and other laser vision correction options?

One of the most common questions we hear during a laser eye surgery consultation is: “Is it safe?”

It is completely normal to be nervous when it comes to your eyes. After all, your vision is your most precious sense. However, laser eye surgery is one of the most studied, performed, and successful elective procedures in modern medicine.

At Infinity Vision Laser, we believe that an informed patient is a confident patient. Let’s break down the safety facts, the technology, and what you need to know before making your decision.

1. The Statistics Speak for Themselves 📊

LASIK eye surgery has been performed on millions of patients worldwide over the last 30 years. The satisfaction rate for LASIK is incredibly high—hovering around 96% to 99%.
In fact, the procedure is so safe and effective that it is approved for use by NASA astronauts and US Air Force fighter pilots—professions where perfect vision is a matter of life and death. If it’s safe enough for them, it’s safe enough for you.

2. Technology Matters: The “Blade-Free” Advantage 🔬

Safety isn’t just about the surgeon; it’s about the tools they use. At Infinity Vision, we don’t use older mechanical blades. We invest in the world’s most advanced German and Swiss engineering:

  • Ziemer Z8 (Femtosecond Laser): This laser uses ultra-short pulses to create the corneal flap (in LASIK) or lenticule (in CLEAR) with micron-level precision. It’s gentle, fast, and minimizes stress on the eye.
  • Schwind Amaris (Excimer Laser): This laser tracks your eye movements in 7 dimensions during the procedure. If your eye moves even slightly, the laser adjusts instantly. This ensures the laser eye treatment is perfectly centered, even if you are nervous.

3. Beyond LASIK: CLEAR and PRK 🚀

Safety also means choosing the right procedure for your specific eyes. We don’t force LASIK on everyone.

  • CLEAR (Lenticule Extraction): Often compared to SMILE eye surgery, CLEAR is a minimally invasive, flap-free option. Because there is no flap, the corneal structure remains stronger, making it arguably safer for athletes or those with physical jobs.
  • PRK Eye Surgery: For patients with thinner corneas, we may recommend PRK. It offers the same visual results as LASIK but without creating a flap at all.

4. Risks vs. Side Effects: Knowing the Difference ⚖️

It is important to distinguish between temporary side effects and true complications.

  • Common Side Effects: Dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights at night are common during the first few weeks of recovery. These typically resolve as your eyes heal.
  • True Complications: Serious risks like infection or flap issues are extremely rare (less than 1%) and can usually be managed effectively by an experienced surgeon.

5. The “No” Factor: Your Safety Net 🛑

The biggest safety factor in corrective eye surgery is the screening process. Not everyone is a candidate. If you have unstable vision, severe dry eye, or certain corneal conditions, we will tell you “No.”
We would rather turn a patient away than risk their long-term eye health. This honest, ethical approach is why patients travel to us, often searching for the best eye doctor in Saskatoon or Regina, to get an honest opinion.

6. Worth the Trip for Peace of Mind 🚗

While we are located in Regina, a significant number of our patients come from Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, and across Saskatchewan. When it comes to laser eye surgery, safety and technology should always outweigh convenience.
If you are looking for an eye laser clinic or eye doctor in Saskatoon, consider that Infinity Vision offers the continuity of care (from a corneal specialist) that ensures your safety from the first consultation to your final check-up.


The Verdict?

Laser eye surgery is safer today than it has ever been. With modern diagnostics, blade-free technology, and experienced surgeons, the risk is minimal, and the reward—life without lenses—is massive.

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