The Risk Factors of LASIK Surgery

While most patients leave their LASIK surgery very pleased with their results, in the end it is still a medical procedure that may have risks. It is vital that patients have a firm understanding of what these risks can be, and what complications can arise. These risks should be weighed against the benefits to decide if LASIK is the right course of action, on a case by case basis.

Loss of Vision

It is possible for a small fraction of patients to actually lose some aspects of their vision. These losses can be temporary, but they can also permanent. They include the loss of lines of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts or surgery.

Visual Symptoms

There are patients that report seeing halos, glares, and double vision, that has a dramatic affect on their ability to see properly at night. They may be able to see perfectly in regular light but, begin to have problems when the contrast is low. This includes not only nighttime, but fog and heavy rain as well.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Patients sometimes have dry eye syndrome after the procedure. This happens when the eye is no longer able to produce tears on its own, at a level to keep the eyes comfortable. This severe dry eye is not only uncomfortable, but can actually cause vision problems because of blurring issues. It can be a permanent condition that requires prescription eye drops to help sooth it.

Results Can Fade for Those with Farsightedness

Over time, patients who are farsighted may see the results fade. These patients' vision will slowly regress back to pre-procedure levels as they age.

Movement of the Flap

During the LASIK procedure, there is a flap created on the eye then folded so that the tissue under it can be reconstructed with the laser. Some patients experience movement of this flap that can seriously impair their vision.

Infections

Infections in the eye under the LASIK flap can occur, but are fairly rare, with occurrence only being one in one-hundred thousand procedures. When the infection is minor, and not affecting the center of the cornea, it can be treated with antibiotics. These cases will have no long term damage. If the infection is in the center of the cornea, or it is more severe, treatment can be more complicated. Also, there is a chance that the eye can become scarred, leaving the vision blurry. The only treatment in these cases is to have the cornea replaced.