Ther are many benefits of laser eye surgery but Lasik eye surgery, like all medical procedures, does have risks associated with it. Whilst the vast majority of operations will go without mishap, it is important that you make yourself aware of the potential problems that may happen.
The following six complications have been reported as a result of laser eye surgery. Familiarizing yourself with these will help you to make an informed decision as to whether this type of vision correction is for you.
Dry eyes:
Although it’s no means a threat to your health, after Lasik eye surgery there can occasionally cause a condition referred to as dry eye. As the name implies this post surgery complication means that the eye does not produce sufficient moisture. It causes discomfort, but is easily treatable with medication and eye drops.
Post-surgery infections:
Like all surgery where an incision is made into the body, it is possible for infection to enter. The flap that is cut into the cornea may become infected leading to complications. This can be successfully treated with antibiotics. The occurrence of infection is so low that it is more likely that your eye will become infected with long term contact lens use than as a result of laser eye surgery.
Halos and night-glare:
As it is impractical to perform lasik eye surgery with the pupil fully dilated. Post surgery, at night as the pupil expands, it is possible that light will bypass the laser treated part, and cause this night glare effect in your vision. This has reduced in frequency as equipment has improved, and become able to treat larger pupil sizes. However a good surgeon should check your pupil before surgery, and assess the risk of this complication occurring.
This problem will naturally fade within a few months of refractive surgery, or in extreme cases can be treated with corrective lenses. Double vision is another possible side effect of lasik eye surgery vision correction, like the halos and night glare problems it should fade with time.
Under and Over-Correction:
Variables in the cornea that are beyond the control of the surgeon may lead to under or over correction in a very few cases. This problem will sort itself out over time, and it is very rare that further treatment will be required. In pronounced cases use of glasses to further correct the vision may be needed.
Damage to the corneal flap:
During lasik eye surgery small folds in the flap can occur, but these will be spotted and corrected by the surgeon. Also wrinkles may form in the few hours after the operation if the patient closes his or her eyes too tightly. This problem is easily fixable but very rare.
Whilst the above problems have been observed a result of lasik eye surgery, most patients will feel no ill effects whatsoever. Most of the above complications are due mostly to incompetence by the surgeon or poor preparation for the procedure. You can further minimize any risks by choosing the clinic where you have the surgery with care. Make sure you research the reputation of the surgeon, and the organization. Pay the clinic a visit it to talk with the staff before you commit yourself.
The lasik eye surgery procedure has been proven to restore eyesight, and in many cases back to 20/20 vision. Like any elective medical treatment there are risks. As long as you are aware of that fact, and the chances of them occurring to you, before proceeding, your decision will be an informed one.