LASIK and PRK Safety Explained: What Every Patient Should Know
If you’ve dreamed of ditching your glasses or contacts, LASIK and PRK might sound too good to be true. But when it comes to your vision, safety is non-negotiable—and it’s often the very first question patients ask.
Is laser eye surgery safe?
The answer is a resounding YES!—when done on the right candidates by experienced surgeons using today’s advanced technology.
Let’s walk through why LASIK and PRK are two of the safest elective procedures in modern medicine—and how we at Dishler Laser Institute ensure every patient gets the safest, most effective care possible.
🛡️A Proven Track Record of Safety
Both LASIK and PRK have been FDA-approved for decades and performed on millions of patients worldwide, including athletes, pilots, and even military personnel. With proper screening, serious complications are exceptionally rare.
Consider this:
➡️Over 96% of LASIK patients report satisfaction with their vision outcomes (American Refractive Surgery Council).
➡️Less than 1% of patients experience vision-threatening complications.
➡️PRK, which has been around even longer than LASIK, shows comparable safety and effectiveness—especially for patients with thin corneas or unique eye anatomy.
These procedures are NOT experimental—they’re refined, standardized, and extensively researched with decades of safety data to back them up.
👀 How the Procedures Work (and Why They’re So Safe)
LASIK and PRK both use excimer laser technology to reshape the cornea, improving how light enters your eye and focuses on the retina. What differs is how the laser gains access:
➡️LASIK: A thin flap is created on the cornea’s surface, lifted, then replaced after laser treatment.
➡️PRK: The surface layer (epithelium) is gently removed before the laser treatment. It regenerates naturally over a few days.
Both techniques rely on bladeless, computer-guided laser precision, with built-in safety protocols and real-time eye tracking to ensure unmatched accuracy.
🔬 Advanced Technology = Advanced Safety
At Dishler Laser Institute, we uphold the highest safety standards by investing in the most advanced diagnostic and laser technology.
➡️Bladeless femtosecond lasers for LASIK flap creation
➡️Wavefront optimized excimer lasers for customized outcomes
➡️MEL 90 Excimer Laser system for fast, ultra-precise corneal reshaping
These innovations minimize risk, reduce healing time, and improve the predictability and safety of every procedure we perform.
✔️ Proper Screening: The #1 Factor in Laser Surgery Safety
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK or PRK—and that’s a good thing.
The key to safety is proper patient selection.
At Dishler Laser Institute, we perform an in-depth, multi-point evaluation before recommending surgery. This includes:
➡️Corneal thickness and shape analysis
➡️Tear film and dry eye testing
➡️Prescription stability review
➡️Retinal health and overall ocular wellness
You may be advised against surgery—or steered toward PRK instead—if you have:
➡️Thin or irregular corneas
➡️A rapidly changing prescription
➡️Certain eye diseases or autoimmune conditions
➡️A history of significant dry eyes
By saying no to the wrong candidates, we help ensure outstanding safety for the right ones.
⚖️ So… Which Procedure Is Safer: LASIK or PRK?
The short answer: both are equally safe—when matched to the right person.
➡️LASIK offers quicker visual recovery and less initial discomfort.
➡️PRK is flap-free, making it better suited for those with thin corneas or high-risk lifestyles
Your surgeon will recommend the safest option based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals.
✅ The Bottom Line: Refractive Surgery Is Safe—In the Right Hands
LASIK and PRK aren’t just safe—they’re life-changing procedures with decades of proven results. The key to a safe, successful experience lies in:
➡️Careful screening
➡️Advanced technology
➡️An experienced, reputable surgical team
At Dishler Laser Institute, we’ve helped thousands of patients achieve clear, stable vision with unmatched safety and care. We take your trust—and your eyesight—seriously.
👓Ready to See If You’re a Candidate?
Schedule your consultation with us today to learn whether LASIK or PRK is right for you. We’ll give you clear answers, honest advice, and a personalized plan—so you can move forward with confidence.