{"id":353295,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:47","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/lasik-eye-surgery.html"},"modified":"2025-10-07T21:11:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T02:11:00","slug":"lasik-eye-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/lasik-eye-surgery.html","title":{"rendered":"LASIK Eye Surgery: Legal Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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LASIK Eye Surgery: Legal Information<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure<\/span> that can reduce a person\u2019s dependency on glasses or contact lenses<\/span>. It is ideal for patients with astigmatism<\/span><\/a>. The procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea<\/span>, which is the delicate clear covering on the front of the eye.<\/p>\n

In people with normal vision, the cornea<\/span> bends. This allows it to refract light back onto your retina. But this doesn\u2019t happen in people who have nearsightedness<\/span> or farsightedness<\/span>. The same is true for people with astigmatism<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Thousands of Americans undergo LASIK eye surgery<\/span> every year. For most people, the risks are minimal. People who have LASIK are usually happy with the results. The\u00a0Mayo Clinic<\/a>\u00a0says over 80% of LASIK patients<\/span> experience improved vision. They no longer need glasses or contact lenses<\/span>.<\/p>\n

However, results aren\u2019t always positive. Some patients have complications with their procedure or aren\u2019t satisfied with the outcome.<\/p>\n

This article shares the side effects<\/span> and issues some people experience after LASIK surgery<\/span>. It also discusses regulation and guidance for the procedure under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA<\/span>).<\/p>\n

If you have been harmed after a LASIK procedure<\/span>, you may have a personal injury<\/span> or medical malpractice<\/span> claim<\/span>. It depends on the facts of your situation. A personal injury<\/span> lawyer<\/span><\/a> near you can evaluate your LASIK injury<\/span> claim and offer personalized legal advice<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Is LASIK Safe?<\/h2>\n

Surgeons perform LASIK eye surgery<\/span> on people who have nearsightedness<\/span> (myopia<\/span>). LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure<\/span> that usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for each eye.<\/p>\n

LASIK isn\u2019t appropriate for everyone, but the FDA<\/span> has approved LASIK as a\u00a0safe and effective procedure<\/a>. It\u2019s essential to have a complete evaluation before undergoing LASIK. People who aren\u2019t good candidates but undergo the surgery anyway may experience poor results.<\/p>\n

What Are the Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

LASIK eye surgery<\/span> is a vision correction<\/span> procedure your eye doctor performs to improve your vision. It helps correct a host of vision problems<\/span>. Some of these include:<\/p>\n