Lasik Complications
Lasik is a safe procedure that is completed on thousands of people each year. The success rate of this surgery is very high, and there are rarely complications that occur relating to the surgery. Although Lasik eye surgery is a safe procedure, there are a few instances of complications.
Lasik Complications:
• Unrealistic expectations- Most people expect their eyesight to be perfect after Lasik, but the truth is that not everyone comes out with 20/20 vision. Some Lasik patients may still need reading glasses after surgery.
• Undercorrection or overcorrection- A patient’s eyesight may be a little weaker or a little stronger than the usual 20/20 vision. If an under-correction has occurred, the patient may choose to have Lasik surgery done again to adjust the cornea.
• Induced Astigmatism- Some patients experience burry vision when the surgery is complete, especially within the first few hours.
• Dry Eyes- Most Lasik patients report dry eyes for a few months after the surgery was done. This Lasik complication can be fixed by using saline eye drops to keep the eyes wet. Dry eyes will go away once the eyes have completely healed, it usually takes 1-2 months before they feel normal again.
• Haze- Very few people (less than 1%) experience hazy vision after Lasik surgery. There are several treatments that can be done to correct the haziness: medication, eye drops, and in-office treatments depending on the seriousness.
• Night Glares and Halos- Some people report glares at night and light halos. These side-effects are not severe, and they usually correct themselves within 6 months.
• Corneal Flap complications- Lasik surgery requires that a flap is cut over the cornea, and it is important that the flap heals correctly. If a person rubs their eyes immediately after the surgery, the flap may move and heal in the wrong place. Also, infection may start. There are several treatments including medication or procedures completed in the doctor’s office.
• Infections or Severe Inflammation- Infection may set in if the eyes are not properly cared for after the surgery. These infections can be serious if they are not treated right, so it is important to visit the doctor if you suspect an infection starting.
In summary, Lasik is one of the safest surgeries performed today, but as in any surgery, there may be some risks involved, but most Lasik complications are short-term or can be corrected.
