LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis – sounds a little scary and indeed, it is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea. Cutting a “flap” in this clear covering of the front of the eye, by using a laser or by a precision knife called a microkeratome, does this. Once a flap is made in the cornea, it is folded back and the surgeon alters the eye to correct the person’s vision, and then the flap is replaced. For the most part, this change is permanent.
Though it sounds complicated, it has been performed many thousands of times – perhaps millions worldwide - and people are thrilled with the results of their refractive surgery. In fact, it is one of the most common and routine elective surgeries.
But, a good and professional doctor will always, always warn of possible complications during surgery. Every medical procedure has risks involved, and even though they might only be a small percentage, it’s important for candidates to understand what they could be.
Under treatment And Under treatment
Even with the precision of Lasik, very few patients actually achieve perfect 20/20 vision with Lasik without the additional use of glasses or contacts. This may not be an issue, since most people are okay with 20/30 vision or some other combination that suits them perfectly, with or without lenses. A patient may be able to get closer to their goal – should the first procedure not induce the perfect result – with a secondary or tertiary surgery. However, for other reasons, which will be mentioned below, a patient may not be able to continue with more procedures and that leaves him or her to live with the original results.
A note here: generally, Lasik results are not easily obtained with patients who have very large refractive issues. The doctor can determine this.
Dry Eye Syndrome
This is one of the most common complaints of Lasik, among the few who have complications. The procedure sometimes causes the eye to be unable to produce enough natural tears to keep the eye buffered, moist and comfortable. This condition may be permanent, and might require intensive drop therapy and the use of plugs, or other procedures to correct the problem.
Sometimes Lasik Complications Arise
Patients in rare cases lose vision. This can happen when there’s a malfunction of a device, a computer assisted-laser portion, cutting a flap of cornea all the way through instead of making the proper hinge, may lead to aborting the procedure and irreversible damage to the eye.
Also, while it may not be noticeable until a couple of days after the procedure, there is the possibility that bacteria can get between the flap and the cornea, causing a mild or severe infection which requires immediate follow-up with drops and antibiotics. In some cases, epithelial tissue growth can occur underneath the flap. The doctor usually will have to follow up with a second procedure by lifting the flap and gently wiping away these cells.
What Should You Do to Minimize Your Risk of Complications?
Various health conditions can hamper your ability to heal and should be discussed in great deal with your eye surgeon. Diabetes, hypertension, or general ill health might want to consider alternatives to Lasik. Large pupil sizes can also be a risk for Lasik problems, because pupils in darkened conditions can expand beyond the area of the eye that was treated.
Again, the overwhelming majority of Lasik outcomes are favorable. Less than one percent of people who do experience serious and continuing vision problems following Lasik eye surgery . Assess the costs of Lasik and make yourself educated and informed.
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