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LASIK eye surgery has transformed vision correction for millions of people worldwide. Understandably, many patients wonder whether the procedure is truly safe and if it’s the right choice for them. While LASIK is generally considered both safe and effective, knowing how it works, potential risks, and candidacy factors can help you make an informed decision.
The short answer: for patients who are good candidates, LASIK has one of the best-documented safety records of any elective procedure. Most side effects, such as dry eye, glare, and halos, are temporary and improve as the eye heals. Serious, sight-threatening complications are rare. The most important safety step happens before surgery, in the candidacy evaluation: when the cornea is too thin, the prescription is unstable, or dry eye is already significant, Dr. Feinerman will say so and discuss alternatives such as PRK or EVO ICL™. Take the candidacy quiz to see which procedure may be right for you.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a precise laser removes a small amount of corneal tissue, improving how light focuses on the retina.
The surgery is quick, usually about 15 minutes for both eyes, and most patients notice dramatic visual improvement within a day or two.
At Feinerman Vision, patient safety is always our top priority. Several factors make LASIK one of the most reliable and effective elective surgeries when performed by an experienced specialist:
While LASIK is safe and effective, it’s normal to experience mild, temporary effects as your eyes heal. Understanding what to expect can help you feel prepared and reassured:
After surgery, Dr. Feinerman personally follows up with each patient, including a phone call the evening of your procedure, to check on your progress. At your in-office visit, he performs a thorough exam to confirm healing and visual stability, ensuring a safe and successful outcome. This level of personalized care is why patients across Orange County trust Feinerman Vision for LASIK.
"LASIK is the best choice I ever made!!"
"It's a big relief for me to have a doctor that actually cares for my wellbeing and for how I feel. Dr. Feinerman really was amazing at making me feel at home; I consider him a friend now. Anytime someone asks me for LASIK in LA, I'll 100% say Feinerman. "
"The whole procedure took less than five minutes. It was completely painless. Once it was done, I could see everything super HD clear, and I was really excited because I haven't been able to see like that in so long. I'm truly grateful for Dr. Feinerman. "
"Dr. Feinerman was super friendly and open to any questions or concerns I had. It felt like a normal eye appointment; you don't feel anything... I even went out to dinner that night. LASIK gave me so much freedom. It's the best thing I've ever done."
"Going to see Dr. Feinerman, he just made me feel really comfortable straight away. And the surgery was over so quick. After going through the procedure, which was basically pain free, I slept for six hours, woke up, and had perfect eyesight!"
"Dr. Feinerman is probably one of the more baller doctors I've ever met. He blasted Drake during the surgery, which was really soothing for me as a millennial. The surgery itself only took five minutes, which was crazy. The healing process was really quick!"
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK, and selecting the right patients is key to achieving safe and successful outcomes. Patients with stable vision, healthy corneas, and no significant eye diseases are typically the best candidates.
During your comprehensive consultation, our experienced LASIK surgeon, Dr. Feinerman, carefully evaluates factors such as age, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. He reviews your medical history and performs advanced diagnostic tests to ensure that LASIK is both safe and likely to provide excellent vision correction results tailored to your eyes.
Most patients notice improved vision almost immediately, though full stabilization may take several weeks. Following your surgeon’s instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments, helps reduce risks and supports proper healing.
Long-term studies confirm that LASIK is a safe, effective, and lasting vision correction option for the majority of patients, with minimal risk of serious side effects.
If you’re considering LASIK or cataract surgery, contact Feinerman Vision. You can call us at (949) 631-4780 or stop by 320 Superior Ave #390, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
LASIK Infection Risk: The Data
Serious infection after LASIK is rare: in a peer-reviewed study of more than 560,000 procedures, infectious keratitis occurred in roughly 1 in 21,700 cases (Schallhorn JM, et al. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2017;43(4):473-479). For a category-by-category look at each LASIK risk and how often it occurs, see our LASIK risks and complication rates.
Ready to see life more clearly?
Call us at (949) 631‑4780 or book your consultation online to discover why patients across Orange County choose Feinerman Vision for the most advanced LASIK options available.
No. Numbing eye drops make the procedure virtually painless. The vast majority of patients report a slight pressure feeling during surgery, lasting about 25 seconds. Some mild discomfort may occur for a day or two after the procedure.
Severe complications are extremely rare. When performed by an experienced surgeon, LASIK is considered very safe, and vision-threatening outcomes are uncommon.
Most patients see improved vision within 24–48 hours. Complete stabilization may take a few weeks.
Long-term issues are rare. Some patients may experience mild dry eyes or visual disturbances, but most achieve stable, improved vision without complications.
As with any surgical procedure, LASIK carries minor risks such as dry eyes, glare, halos, or temporary fluctuations in vision. Choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon and following post-operative instructions greatly reduces these risks.
LASIK is highly successful, with the majority of patients achieving 20/25 vision or better. Many are able to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
WaveLight® Plus LASIK patients often see better than 20/20. In the published clinical study, 100% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision, 89% reached 20/16, and 50% achieved 20/12.5.
Source: He G, Bala C. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2023;49(11):1140-1146.
LASIK provides long-lasting vision improvement, but natural age-related changes (like presbyopia or cataracts) can still occur. If additional care is needed later in life, our patients can access expert cataract and lens implant surgery in Orange County right here in Newport Beach.
This quiz is educational and does not diagnose any condition or guarantee candidacy for any procedure. Candidacy is determined only by a comprehensive evaluation, including corneal imaging and a full eye exam, performed by Gregg Feinerman, MD, FACS. Feinerman Vision · 320 Superior Ave, Suite 390, Newport Beach, CA 92663 · (949) 631-4780 · FeinermanVision.com