LASIK Eye Surgery – Facts & Figures

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most popular form of refractive laser eye surgery in America today—with approximately 99% of all refractive surgeries using LASIK.

What Does LASIK Surgery Do? LASIK eye surgery corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is called a refractive surgery because it works on the cornea, the clear cover of the eye that refracts or bends light rays. The cornea is what focuses light on the retina at the back of the eye, which affects the way the viewer perceives objects.

The goal of LASIK eye surgery is to reshape the cornea. During LASIK surgery, the ophthalmologist cuts the thin tissue on the surface of the eyeball to create a flap, lifts the flap, reshapes the cornea using a laser, and then repositions the flap.

How long does LASIK surgery take? Although creating a flap and using the laser only takes, at most, around 1 minute each, then entire surgery lasts from 10 to 15 minutes for one eye.

How many Americans have had LASIK surgery? In 2005, approximately 1.4 million Americans underwent LASIK surgery. That number is expected to increase by 1.8 million more by the end of 2006.

At the end of 2006, it is estimated that over 10 million Americans will have undergone LASIK eye surgery.

What is the most common reason for having LASIK surgery? Most people say they pay for costly LASIK surgery simply because they are tired of their glasses or contact lenses.

How many LASIK surgery procedures are before a surgeon is considered “experienced”? A spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology says 500 to 1,000 LASIK procedures is a fair number.

Will glasses still be needed after LASIK surgery? Yes. Many people over age 45 still need reading glasses due to a hardening of the lens, which laser surgery cannot prevent from happening.

LASIK surgery statistics
One patient in 10,000 LASIK patients suffers infection with proper sterile techniques.

A patient with mild myopia:

• Has the possibility of achieving 20/40 vision or better with LASIK surgery


• Has a 2% chance of needing an additional/enhancement LASIK procedure


• Has an almost 100% chance of being able to drive without glasses

A patient with moderate myopia:

• Has an 82% possibility of achieving 20/20 vision or better


• Has a 98% possibility of achieving 20/40 or better


• Has a 6% possibility of needing an additional/enhancement LASIK procedure

A patient with severe myopia:

• Has a 99% likelihood of achieving 20/40 vision or better


• Has a 69% likelihood of achieving 20/20 or better without glasses

The cost of LASIK eye surgery at a reputable center or clinic will cost between $1,500 and $2,500 per eye.

• In 2006 (first quarter only), the average LASIK surgery price was $2,052


• In 2005, the average LASIK surgery price was $1,965


• In 2004, it was $1,800


• In 2003, it was $1,710