Laser Eye Surgery Stats

24 Laser Eye Surgery Statistics

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If you are considering undergoing laser eye surgery or if you simply want to learn more about what the procedure entails, then you can find the top laser eye surgery statistics and facts, right here.

1. The Success Rate of Laser Eye Surgery is Over 99%

Did you know that according to the latest LASIK report by the American Refractive Surgery Council, the success rate of LASIK is now up to 99%?  This is incredible to say the least and it just goes to show how far the technology has come over the years.

Source: American Refractive Surgery Council

2. 100,000 People in the UK Opt for Laser Eye Surgery Every Year

More than 100,000 laser eye surgery procedures are carried out every single year in the UK alone.

Source: Optician Online

3. The LASIK Eye Surgery Market is Worth $1.6 Billion

When you look at the Global Eye Surgery Market Report, you will soon see that the LASIK Surgery Market has increased in value consistently. The market right now is worth $1.6 billion US dollars, due to the success rate and general satisfaction of those who undergo the procedure.

Source: Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery

4. Only 10% of people Need a Second Procedure

In recent years, only 0.7-2% of people need to undergo a second procedure to get the desired effects after LASIK for short-sightedness (1,2,3). Sometimes the surgeon will notify the patient that another procedure won’t provide better results, depending on the quality of vision they had prior to the elective surgery. High prescriptions (for example, more than -6.00 dioptres of short-sightedness) can have a higher retreatment rate than standard ones. Your surgeon will always advise you on the results you could be getting before you proceed. 

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27839594/
  2. https://openophthalmologyjournal.com/VOLUME/12/PAGE/63/FULLTEXT/
  3. https://www.touchophthalmology.com/anterior-segment/journal-articles/influences-on-enhancement-rates-in-laser-vision-correction/

Source: WebMD

5. LASIK Cannot Make You Blind

LASIK surgery in itself, as a procedure, does not cause blindness. A lot of complications that come with LASIK surgeries are often preventable and it is important that you follow the right aftercare procedure. These will be set by your surgeon. After laser eye surgery, your surgeon will give you a list of complications to look out for and if they do occur, treating them immediately will typically prevent further issues.

Source: GoLASIK

6. 30 Million People in the World are Successfully Treated with Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery treats 30 million people every year.

Source: Optegra

7. By 2018, 9.5 Million People in the US had LASIK Surgery

As of 2018, the number of people who underwent LASIK surgery stood at 9.5 million.

Source: New York Times

8. 12 Million People in the US over 40 have Vision Impairment

12 million people who are the age of 40 or over have some form of vision impairment. Most of these cases could be corrected or improved through LASIK eye surgery.

Source: CDC

9. 90% Of People who Undergo LASIK Surgery Achieve 20/20 Vision

The American Refractive Surgery Council has announced that 90% of people who undergo LASIK surgery end up with vision that is 20/20 or better. This number is set to increase as time goes on and as technology develops even further.

Source: American Refractive Surgery Council

10. The Very First Laser Eye Surgery Procedure was Performed in 1989

The very first laser eye procedure was carried out by skilled surgeons in the year 1989. Since then, it has taken the medical world by storm, with the highest satisfaction rate out of any optional procedure. The surgeon to perform the first procedure was Marguerite B.Macdonald.

Source: NVision

11. 93 Million People are at Risk for Vision Loss

It is estimated that around 93 million adults are at a high risk of vision loss. That being said, only half of them have visited an eye doctor in the last year. It is also proven that a lot of eye issues and problems can be corrected if they are caught early enough.

Source: CDC

12. The Excimer Laser in LASIK Surgery Cannot Burn Your Eyes or Skin

The excimer laser that is used in LASIK cannot actually burn your eyes or your skin. The laser is actually cold, and it does not heat the eye. The procedure is very safe, and it is able to deliver positive results in most cases.

Source: BowenEye

Want To Find Out If You’re Suitable?

If you’re wondering whether laser eye treatment is the right choice for you, there are some key things to consider…

13. The LASIK Surgery Market is Going to Increase by 6.5%

As the technology develops and as surgeons begin to specialise more in eye surgery because of sheer demand, the market is expected to increase by over 6.5% in the year 2022.

Source: Madgadget

14. LASIK Eye Surgery Only Takes 20 Minutes

LASIK eye surgery is a relatively quick procedure. Although it took much longer at one point, technological advancements have made it easier than ever for people to get the treatment done in half the time. Now it only takes 20 minutes to have the treatment done.

Source: WebMD

15. Vision Disability is one of the Top 10 Disabilities

Vision disability is easily one of the top 10 disabilities in adults who are over the age of 18. It is also one of the most disabling conditions among young children. A lot of eye issues or problems, if they are diagnosed early enough, can be corrected through LASIK surgery. If the issue cannot be corrected, most of the time it can be improved.

Source: CDC

16. Doctors have Performed over 19 Million LASIK Procedures so Far

Since LASIK became approved by the FDA, doctors in the US have performed over 19 million procedures. This isn’t counting the ones that took place in Europe, so it just goes to show how popular it is across the world.

Source: WebMD

17. The Technique Used to Inspire the Technology for LASIK Originated in 1948

The technique that helped to inspire LASIK was used in 1948. The procedure was to correct some kind of refractive error, but since then, it has transformed dramatically, and now bigger and better results can be achieved with ease.

Source: PubMed

18. Contact Lens Usage is Highest in Europe

The share of people who wear contact lenses is highest in Europe. Serbia has the highest numbers, with around 30% of individuals opting to wear them. Studies have also shown that most people who wear contact lenses could have their vision improved or corrected by simply electing to have LASIK eye surgery.

Source: Statista

19. One Million Three Hundred Ninety-Six Thousand LASIK Surgeries In Europe in 2007

Studies have shown that 2007-2008 were the most popular years for people undergoing laser eye surgery (the great recession then led to lower numbers for the next several years) . Over one million three hundred ninety-six thousand surgeries were carried out in Europe alone in 2007, showing the huge growth of the technology and the amount of people who elect to get the procedure done.

Source: Statista

20. 98% of people who Wear Glasses Could Be Suitable Candidates for LASIK Surgery

According to BowenEye, over 98% of people who wear contact lenses or who wear glasses could be suitable candidates to undergo laser eye surgery. If you look at the general satisfaction rate of people who undergo the procedure, this would mean a massive improvement for those who have impaired vision.

Source: BowenEye

21. LASIK was Approved by the FDA in 1996

LASIK was approved by the FDA in 1996. Ever since then, it has come on in leaps and bounds, being a revolutionary treatment in its field. LASIK has also undergone many laser transformations since being approved, with each one being a better, more efficient and safer option than the last.

Source: LaserVision

22. The Satisfaction Rate for Laser Eye Surgery is 96%

Various studies have been done and they have found that the average satisfaction rate of laser eye surgery stands at around 96%. This is the highest satisfaction rate amongst any elective procedure. More and more people are now undergoing LASIK surgery to improve their vision because it is safe and able to deliver amazing results.

Source: American Refractive Surgery Council

23. Father Waclaw Szuniewicz First Experimented with Changing the Shape of the Cornea

Father Waclaw Szuniewicz was one of the first to experiment with changing the overall shape of the cornea. He came to the US in the year 1948 and it was there where he carried out a procedure that would influence LASIK surgery. His scientific accomplishments helped him to become one of the pioneers in corneal surgery.

Source: LaserVision

24. Excimer Lasers and Microkeratomes were First Used Prior to 1995

One of the most popular tools that was used for laser eye surgery was microkeratomes and excimer lasers. A microkeratome was used to create the flap in the cornea. In the year 1995, the FDA then approved the Kremer laser, which came complete with eye-tracking technology. This would help the laser by adjusting it automatically, reducing the risk of human error while also improving safety and efficiency.

Source: Ocli

These Facts Show that Laser Eye Surgery Has Advanced and Bettered the Lives of Thousands

These facts show that laser eye surgery has not only advanced but that it has also bettered the lives of thousands of people all across the world.

One of the most important changes would be the progression of tools that have been used, as mentioned in the fact above. Another thing that has changed was the femtosecond laser. This was first approved in the US, and it became the gold standard for better vision.

All in all, the advancements in eye surgery are many, and so are the benefits. It’s an elective procedure but for many, it has been life-changing.

About the Author

Mr David Allamby is the founder and medical director of Focus Clinic - the leading provider of laser eye surgery in London. Focus’ commitment is to be the #1 clinic for vision outcome results with 100% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or even better. He is one of a limited number of UK surgeons who work in laser refractive surgery full-time.

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