How Many People Get LASIK Each Year?
Annual LASIK Volume: Current Statistics
In recent years, approximately 600,000 to 700,000 Americans undergo LASIK surgery annually. This number represents people from all walks of life who want reduced dependence on corrective eyewear. While LASIK remains one of the most common elective eye procedures, the annual volume has stabilized compared to peak years in the early 2000s.
There is no national registry for LASIK in the United States; annual volumes are industry estimates and vary by year.
We see patients every day who are curious about whether LASIK is right for them. The steady annual numbers reflect that LASIK continues to be an established option for vision correction.
Worldwide, laser vision correction procedures total in the millions annually, with significant numbers in Asia, Europe, and North America. Different countries have varying rates based on healthcare systems, costs, and cultural attitudes toward elective surgery. Globally, millions of laser vision correction procedures are performed each year; LASIK represents a large share, which varies by region. Because there is no single global registry, figures are estimates.
- Asian markets have seen growing demand for laser vision correction
- European countries maintain steady LASIK rates with strong regulatory standards
- Access to technology and trained surgeons affects regional availability
- Economic factors influence how many people can afford the procedure worldwide
- SMILE has high adoption in several Asian and European markets, so LASIK's share of laser procedures differs by region
LASIK procedures peaked in the United States around 2000 to 2007, when more than one million surgeries occurred annually. After 2007, numbers declined and then stabilized at current levels. Several factors contributed to this shift, including economic conditions and the introduction of alternative vision correction methods.
Despite the decline from peak years, LASIK remains a popular choice. We may recommend it for patients who meet candidacy requirements and seek long-term reduced dependence on glasses or contacts. Procedure volumes dipped during 2020 and rebounded in 2021 through 2023, then stabilized.
LASIK is one of several refractive surgery options available today. Procedures like PRK, SMILE, and phakic intraocular lenses (ICL) serve different patient needs. LASIK typically represents the largest share of laser vision correction surgeries performed annually.
- PRK serves patients with thinner corneas who may not qualify for LASIK
- SMILE is a newer, minimally invasive procedure gaining popularity
- Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL) help those with very high prescriptions
- Refractive lens exchange may suit older patients, especially hyperopes or those with early lens changes
- Each procedure has specific benefits and trade-offs depending on your eye anatomy, prescription, and goals
Who Chooses LASIK: Patient Demographics and Patterns
Most LASIK patients fall between the ages of 25 and 40 years old. LASIK is approved for adults 18 and older; many surgeons prefer prescription stability for 12 to 24 months before surgery. We recommend waiting until your prescription has been stable for at least one year, which typically happens by the mid-twenties. Younger adults often choose LASIK to enhance their lifestyle and career opportunities.
People over 40 may still be good candidates, but we discuss how natural age-related vision changes like presbyopia might affect long-term results. Our refractive surgeon evaluates each patient individually to determine the best timing for surgery. For patients over 40, monovision or blended vision can be discussed to address presbyopia.
Studies show that LASIK patients are fairly evenly split between men and women, with some research suggesting slightly more women undergo the procedure. Gender does not affect candidacy, but lifestyle factors and personal priorities may influence the decision to have surgery.
Both men and women seek LASIK for similar reasons, including convenience, appearance, and participation in sports or outdoor activities. Women have higher rates of dry eye, which may influence candidacy and perioperative management.
LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism within certain ranges. Most candidates have mild to moderate prescriptions, though advances in technology have expanded the treatable range. Our refractive surgeon determines eligibility based on prescription strength and corneal thickness.
- Nearsightedness up to approximately -8.00 to -10.00 diopters may qualify in select cases, depending on corneal thickness and tomography
- Farsightedness up to approximately +4.00 to +6.00 diopters can often be treated, noting higher hyperopic treatments have greater regression risk
- Regular astigmatism up to about 5.00 to 6.00 diopters can often be treated
- Irregular astigmatism or signs of keratoconus are contraindications for LASIK
- Corneal thickness and residual stromal bed calculations are critical safety limits
- Very high prescriptions or thin corneas may be better candidates for phakic IOLs or PRK
- Stable prescriptions are essential for good long-term outcomes
Certain careers and hobbies make LASIK especially appealing. Athletes, military personnel, pilots, and first responders often seek vision correction that does not rely on glasses or contacts. Active lifestyles, frequent travel, and jobs requiring excellent uncorrected vision commonly motivate patients. Some professions have specific vision standards; confirm employer or regulator requirements before surgery.
We also see patients who simply want the convenience of waking up with clear vision or who struggle with contact lens discomfort. Your daily activities and personal goals play an important role in deciding whether LASIK is right for you.
LASIK rates vary across different regions of the United States. Urban areas with more eye care providers and surgical centers often report higher procedure volumes. Areas with higher average incomes may also see more elective surgeries due to cost considerations.
- Coastal cities and large metropolitan areas tend to have higher LASIK rates
- Rural regions may have fewer specialized centers offering the procedure
- Regional economic conditions influence how many people pursue elective surgery
- Access to experienced surgeons and advanced technology varies by location
Factors That Influence LASIK Popularity
Modern LASIK technology in 2025 offers greater precision, safety, and customization than earlier techniques. Wavefront-guided treatments, femtosecond lasers, and advanced diagnostic equipment improve outcomes and reduce risks. As technology has improved, patient confidence has grown.
Our refractive surgeon uses the latest diagnostic tools to create a personalized treatment plan. These advances have made LASIK safer and more predictable, which helps maintain steady demand despite competition from newer options. Modern treatments can be wavefront or topography guided to reduce higher-order aberrations when appropriate.
LASIK is typically an out-of-pocket expense, with costs varying by location, surgeon experience, and technology used. The investment can range from a few thousand dollars per eye to higher amounts for advanced custom treatments. Cost remains a significant factor in whether and when patients proceed with surgery.
- Financing plans and payment options make LASIK more accessible to many patients
- Some employers offer vision benefits or health savings accounts that can help cover costs
- Comparing long-term contact lens and glasses expenses may show LASIK provides value over time
- Promotional pricing and discounts should be carefully evaluated for quality and included services
Alternatives like SMILE, advanced PRK, refractive lens exchange, and improved contact lens options provide more choices for vision correction. Some patients prefer reversible options like orthokeratology lenses or extended-wear contacts. These alternatives may appeal to those who are not ready for permanent surgery.
We discuss all available options during your consultation. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each method helps you make an informed decision based on your unique needs and preferences. ICLs are often preferred for very high myopia or thinner corneas.
Economic conditions influence how many people pursue elective procedures like LASIK. During economic downturns, discretionary medical spending often decreases. Periods of economic growth and low unemployment typically see higher rates of elective surgeries.
The stability of LASIK numbers in recent years suggests the procedure maintains strong appeal even when economic factors create challenges. Many patients view clear vision as a valuable long-term investment in their quality of life.
High satisfaction rates among LASIK patients contribute to ongoing interest in the procedure. Most studies report that over 90 percent of patients are satisfied with their results. Personal recommendations from friends, family, and coworkers remain powerful influences on the decision to have LASIK.
- Satisfied patients often share their positive experiences with others
- Online reviews and testimonials provide prospective patients with real-world insights
- High success rates build trust in the procedure over time
- Word of mouth helps maintain steady demand despite market changes
What to Expect When Considering LASIK
Before LASIK, our refractive surgeon performs a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate. This assessment includes measuring your prescription, mapping your cornea, checking corneal thickness, and evaluating your overall eye health. We also review your medical history and any medications you take.
- Corneal tomography maps the front and back cornea and measures thickness to screen for keratoconus and ectasia risk
- Pupil size measurements help predict how you might see in low light after surgery
- Large pupils may increase the chance of night-vision symptoms; customized ablations can help mitigate this
- Tear film evaluation ensures you do not have significant dry eye that could affect healing
- Dilated eye examination checks for conditions that might make LASIK unsafe
- Pachymetry and epithelial thickness mapping help confirm candidacy
- Medication review includes isotretinoin and amiodarone; these may affect candidacy or timing
- Pregnancy and nursing can temporarily change vision; most surgeons defer LASIK until several months after nursing ends
- Discussion of expectations and potential risks is an essential part of the consultation
While LASIK is generally safe and effective, all surgeries carry risks. Understanding potential complications helps you make an informed decision.
- Dry eye symptoms, typically worse in the first 1 to 3 months
- Glare, halos, and night driving difficulties, usually improving over weeks to months
- Undercorrection, overcorrection, or regression that might need an enhancement
- Infection or inflammation, including diffuse lamellar keratitis
- Flap complications such as striae or displacement after trauma or rubbing
- Corneal ectasia, a rare but serious weakening of the cornea
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
- Need for glasses for some tasks after surgery
- LASIK is not reversible
LASIK typically takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes. A femtosecond laser typically creates a thin corneal flap, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is repositioned. Numbing drops keep you comfortable, and you remain awake during the procedure. Most patients experience little to no pain. An oral sedative may be offered to help you relax.
We explain each step so you know what to expect. You will need someone to drive you home afterward, as your vision will be blurry initially and you should not operate a vehicle.
Immediately after LASIK, your vision may be hazy or blurry, and your eyes might feel gritty or watery. Most people notice significant improvement within 24 hours. We prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation during healing. Avoiding rubbing your eyes is critical in the first weeks.
- Rest your eyes and avoid screens as much as possible on the first day
- Use prescribed eye drops exactly as directed to support healing
- Use preservative-free lubricating drops frequently to ease dryness
- Wear protective eyewear while sleeping to prevent accidental rubbing
- Avoid getting water directly in your eyes, including pools and hot tubs, for at least 1 week
- Avoid swimming and eye makeup for at least one to two weeks
- Avoid dusty or dirty environments and contact sports for 2 to 4 weeks
- Do not drive until your surgeon clears you at the first postoperative visit
- Most people return to work in 1 to 2 days depending on their job
- Attend all follow-up appointments so we can monitor your recovery
Most patients achieve excellent vision after LASIK, with many reaching 20/20 or better. However, some people may need an enhancement procedure if their vision is not fully corrected or if changes occur over time. Enhancements are typically minor adjustments performed months or years after the initial surgery.
- Natural age-related changes, such as presbyopia, can still develop after LASIK
- Results are generally stable, but hyperopic treatments have a higher tendency for regression
- LASIK does not prevent cataracts; cataract surgery later is still possible but lens power calculations are more complex after corneal refractive surgery
- Some people still need glasses for specific tasks such as night driving
- We discuss realistic expectations during your consultation, including the possibility that you might eventually need reading glasses as you age
While serious complications are rare, certain symptoms after LASIK require urgent evaluation. Contact our office immediately if you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, increasing redness, or light sensitivity that worsens instead of improves. Flashes of light, new floaters, or signs of infection also warrant prompt attention.
- Severe or worsening pain that does not improve with prescribed medication
- Sudden decrease in vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden increase in haze with light sensitivity
- Discharge, crusting, or signs of infection around the eyes
- Injury to the eye or accidental trauma to the surgical area
- Newly blurred vision after eye rubbing or trauma, which could indicate a flap issue
Frequently Asked Questions
LASIK is not as popular as its peak in the early 2000s when over one million procedures happened annually in the United States. Today, the numbers are lower but have stabilized, reflecting a mature market with informed patients and realistic expectations. The procedure remains a leading choice for laser vision correction in 2025.
Studies indicate that approximately 90 percent or more of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Outcomes depend on factors like your original prescription, eye health, healing response, and the technology used. Our refractive surgeon reviews your individual candidacy to help set appropriate expectations for your specific situation.
The decline after 2007 resulted from multiple factors, including the economic recession, increased awareness of potential risks and side effects, and competition from alternative vision correction methods. Media coverage of complications, though rare, also affected public perception. Today, improved technology and transparency have helped stabilize interest.
No. LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea. Enhancements can fine-tune results but do not restore the preoperative corneal shape.
People with keratoconus or suspicious tomography, unstable prescriptions, significant dry eye that is uncontrolled, active eye disease or infection, autoimmune disease affecting wound healing, uncontrolled diabetes, those who are pregnant or nursing, or those taking medications such as isotretinoin should not have LASIK or should defer until cleared.
Most patients can drive after being cleared at the day 1 postoperative visit. Flying is usually fine once the surgeon confirms the cornea is stable and you can use drops as directed. Light exercise can resume in a few days; avoid swimming and contact sports for several weeks.
Next Steps
If you are considering LASIK, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye examination to discuss your candidacy and goals. Our refractive surgeon will evaluate your unique situation, answer your questions, and help you determine whether LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICL, or refractive lens exchange is the best option for you.