If you plan to have LASIK surgery, you’ve probably had this thought: “Do the LASIK surgeons performing the procedure actually get it themselves?” It’s a question that gets right to the heart of what matters most—how safe and effective LASIK truly is. At Brimhall Eye Center, we believe in complete transparency, which is why we’re sharing what the data reveals about surgeons and their personal choice to undergo LASIK vision correction.
Do LASIK Surgeons Actually Get LASIK?
The answer may surprise you: yes, they do, and in remarkable numbers. According to a study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, over 60% of practicing LASIK surgeons have had laser vision correction themselves, and over 90% recommend it to their family members. Surgeons choose LASIK at five times the rate of the general population, signaling extraordinary professional confidence in both the safety and results of the procedure.
Why This Matters: It’s not just clinical data or patient testimonial; when certified ophthalmologists choose LASIK, it serves as one of the strongest professional endorsements possible. Their decisions stem from a unique combination of rigorous patient screening, years of clinical practice, ongoing research, and personal experience with the procedure’s benefits and limitations.
Why Do LASIK Surgeons Choose the Procedure for Themselves?
A surgeon’s decision to undergo LASIK is informed by more than just clinical knowledge; it emerges from firsthand experience and expert insight. Unlike most patients, surgeons witness the evolution, daily results, and long-term effects of LASIK, giving them an unmatched understanding of its risks and benefits.
1. Safety First—Always.
Decades of clinical data show that modern LASIK has an exceptional track record, with serious complications occurring in less than 1% of cases. LASIK surgeons aren’t just reading about safety in journals, though; they’re seeing it play out in real time, patient after patient.
2. Remarkable Effectiveness.
These certified ophthalmologists consistently witness outstanding visual improvements in their patients. Studies show 99% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, over 90% reach 20/20, and 96% of patients are thrilled with their vision after LASIK. These numbers represent real-life success stories and life-changing results documented by surgeons in their own practices.
3. Quality of Life Improvements They Experience Personally.
For surgeons performing microsurgery, the freedom from glasses or contacts is more than convenience; it’s essential for precision and comfort. This value extends to their daily lives and is echoed by patients who enjoy improved lifestyles without reliance on corrective eyewear. Long-term data show that nearly 95% of LASIK patients no longer need distance correction after five years, emphasizing substantial quality-of-life gains.
4. Technology That Keeps Getting Better.
LASIK today is far more precise than just five years ago. Wavefront- and topography-guided systems enable surgeons to map the eye in extraordinary detail, allowing for a high degree of customization for each patient. Those who use these innovations daily emphasize how they’ve improved surgical predictability and outcomes, deepening professional trust in LASIK.
“Our role as surgeons gives us a unique perspective—not only on the technical evolution of LASIK, but on how these advancements translate into real, lasting benefits for our patients. This continuous learning and observation empowers us to make thoughtful, patient-centered recommendations grounded in a deep understanding of both outcomes and individual needs,” — Brimhall Eye Center.
When Don't LASIK Surgeons Choose the Procedure?
Of course, not every eye surgeon opts for LASIK, and their reasons typically mirror what any prospective patient might face:
What Prevents Some Surgeons From Getting LASIK?
- Just like any patient, some surgeons simply aren’t good candidates. They may have thin corneas, severe dry eyes, or other conditions that make LASIK unsuitable. The candidacy requirements don’t change just because you’re a doctor—the same evaluation applies to everyone.
- Some certified ophthalmologists are perfectly comfortable wearing glasses or contact lenses and see no need for correction.
- Surgeons approaching presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) may choose to wait or look at alternative procedures that address both distance and reading vision.
- Pre-existing eye conditions or overall health considerations may make someone less than ideal for the procedure.
These are thoughtful, medical reasons that would apply to any patient; not doubts about LASIK’s safety or effectiveness.
See Why the Experts Trust LASIK for Themselves At Brimhall Eye Center
The confidence LASIK surgeons place in their own procedure says a lot about modern vision correction. If you’re ready to explore whether LASIK is right for you, our award-winning team at Brimhall Eye Center is here to show you what your eyes are capable of. Call our Las Vegas Clinic at (702) 263-2020 or schedule your consultation online and discover LASIK’s life-changing vision outcomes.
