Consider Your Expectations
Your potential vision also depends on the quality of vision that you would like to have, depending on what types of visual activities you do every day. Do you wish to be able to see the alarm clock without slipping on your glasses, or do you need to be able to see clearly through an archery scope lens? Desirable expectations should be thoroughly discussed with your healthcare provider in order to realistically assess your chances of a successful outcome. Your ultimate satisfaction with your results of LASIK depends mostly on having realistic expectations for your individual case. Before making a final decision, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about how well you truly expect to see after surgery.
“20/20” Vision Doesn’t Mean “Perfect” Vision
Today, most patients can expect to have close to 20/20 uncorrected vision, and almost all have at least 20/40. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that this procedure is “intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses.” Healthcare providers can never guarantee that you will end up with perfect vision. Based on experience, most patients achieve “20/HAPPY vision.” This means that your vision may not be exactly perfect, but you can enjoy 95% of your daily activities without corrective glasses or contact lenses.
Typical LASIK results:
98% of patients have 20/40 or better vision90% of patients have 20/20 or better
Be aware that the typical Snellen eye chart (the one with the big E at the top) is only one measurement of visual clarity. You may be able to read the very bottom line on the chart, but still not see clearly. You could have debilitating problems such as halos around lights, glare, filmy vision or very dry eyes that decrease the quality of your vision. Try not to become focused on achieving the magic number of 20/20. Instead, focus on the goal of your surgery: to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts.
