subject: LASIK Risks and Complications [print this page] LASIK Risks and Complications LASIK Risks and Complications
The use of lasers in surgical vision correction has not only led to more accurate and successful results but also less discomfort during surgery and recovery. LASIK vision correction has become common, helping people who otherwise would have to use heavy corrective lenses and even people who were previously considered legally blind to function without glasses or contact lenses.
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK has some risks and some chance of postoperative complications. The percentage of patients who experience the worst of these complications is fairly low. Before making the decision to have LASIK surgery, be sure to discuss all your questions as well as any concerns about possible risks with your LASIK surgeon.
Vision Changes
LASIK surgery is intended to improve overall visual acuity, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and even astigmatism. In some cases, however, post surgical results can create unexpected changes in the vision.
Changes that can occur after LASIK surgery include:
Blurred vision
Glare around bright objects, especially at night
Double vision
In most cases, these side effects are not serious, and do not appreciably affect overall vision. An enhancement procedure to fine-tune the results of the original LASIK surgery can reduce these side effects.
Insufficient Vision Correction
LASIK eye surgeons are careful to be sure the surgery is targeted to bring about optimal vision correction. In some cases, though, the initial surgery results in an overcorrection or an undercorrection to the vision. An enhancement procedure is often sufficient to correct these slight problems.
A small percentage of LASIK patients have also found that LASIK results in astigmatism that was not present before the surgery. Ectasia, or a severe change in the shape and contours of the cornea, is another rare complication, occurring in about three out of every one thousand LASIK surgeries. Ectasia creates vision problems that cannot be corrected with glasses, and appears to occur more often when too much tissue is removed from the cornea.
If you are considering LASIK surgery, you should discuss all the possible side effects, risks and complications with your LASIK surgeon in detail during your initial consultation. Realistic expectations for the surgery, sufficient preparation and diligent aftercare can all help increase the chances that your LASIK surgery will go smoothly and produce the results you desire.
