At OVO LASIK + LENS, we know that saying “yes” to a life-changing vision treatment starts with feeling confident in its safety, effectiveness, and proven track record—which is why “How Safe Is LASIK?” is always the first question we hear in our consultations. It’s completely natural to want reassurance that real-world results, trusted expertise, and transparent information back your decision. Fortunately, the reassuring truth is that LASIK is one of the most thoroughly researched, refined, and successful procedures in modern medicine. In this article, we’ll dive into the research, highlight the outstanding safety metrics, and demonstrate how our advanced technology gives patients peace of mind when choosing LASIK at our Minnesota center.

The Science Behind LASIK Safety – What Three Decades of Research Shows

Since its FDA approval in 1999, over 40 million LASIK procedures have been performed worldwide, making it one of the most widely completed and studied elective surgeries to date. This extensive real-world experience, combined with decades of clinical research, creates a comprehensive safety profile you can trust. Here’s what the evidence tells us:

1. Comprehensive Research. 9,000 patients participated in FDA clinical trials from 1993–2005, and since then, there have been over 7,000 peer-reviewed studies, all of which confirm that LASIK is extremely safe and effective, as per the American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC). That’s three decades of continuous safety monitoring and improvement.
2. Impressive Safety Statistics. The numbers on how safe LASIK really is speak for themselves. It’s estimated that far less than 1% of patients experience sight-threatening complications, which is far below the FDA’s 5% safety threshold. As noted by the ARSC, out of 58,653 procedures, only 0.61% of patients lost 2 lines (eye chart) of best-corrected visual acuity.
3. Long-Term Safety. What’s particularly encouraging is that long-term studies spanning decades show safety indices above 1.0, indicating that vision after LASIK is as good as or better than before surgery. Studies have also shown that LASIK even carries a lower risk of serious infection than long-term contact lens use.
4. Outstanding Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes. 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with nearly all (99%) reaching 20/40 or better vision, but perhaps what’s most telling is how patients feel about their LASIK experience; between 95-99% of patients remain satisfied with their results, even years after surgery.

What Does This Mean For You? With LASIK, you’re choosing a procedure with a proven track record for safety, precision, and life-changing results.

Protecting Your Vision – How Our Advanced LASIK Technology Keeps Your Eyes Safe

At OVO LASIK + LENS, we make use of state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best results and maintain your safety. Here’s how:

1. Phorcides AI-Guided LASIK Technology. Developed by our own Dr. Mark Lobanoff, Phoricides represents a major leap forward in LASIK safety and precision. This system measures over 22,000 points on your cornea—compared to just 14 with older technologies— creating a truly personalized treatment plan that maximizes both safety and outcomes for your unique eyes.
2. Advanced Topography-Guided Contoura Technology. We pair our Phorcides system with Topography-Guided Contoura technology, combining AI-driven planning with ultra-detailed corneal mapping. This powerful combination delivers unmatched precision and safety—giving you the confidence of truly personalized, next-generation vision correction.
3. Bladeless Femtosecond Laser Precision. Our bladeless approach offers several safety advantages. The femtosecond laser provides micron-level accuracy (thinner than a human hair) for flap creation, eliminates blade-related complications from older mechanical methods, and creates consistent flap thickness that promotes faster healing and better outcomes.
4. Real-Time Eye Tracking Systems. One of the most common concerns patients have is “What if I move during surgery?” Our advanced eye-tracking system addresses this worry by monitoring your eye movements hundreds of times per second, automatically adjusting laser positioning for perfect alignment, and pausing treatment if movement exceeds safe parameters.
5. Comprehensive Pre-Surgical Screening. Your safety begins long before you enter the procedure room here at OVO. Our 90-minute, 1-on-1 evaluation process uses advanced diagnostics to ensure LASIK is safe and appropriate for your eyes, identifying any factors that might affect your candidacy or outcomes.

LASIK Side Effects – What’s Normal?

While LASIK is remarkably safe, you will experience temporary side effects such as mildly dry eyes, glare or halos around lights, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort. These are a part of the natural healing process and resolve as your eyes adapt to their new, corrected shape. Please check out our full What To Expect During Your LASIK Recovery Guide for details on the entire recovery timeline.

Your Future Vision – See It Clearly With OVO LASIK + LENS

Experience the confidence that comes from choosing Minnesota’s premier LASIK provider, where world-renowned expertise and the revolutionary Phorcides system—developed and perfected right here at OVO—come together to deliver unmatched precision and results you won’t find anywhere else. Book your free, premium LASIK exam and learn why thousands of patients trust OVO LASIK + LENS for their vision correction needs.