LASIK eye surgery is a common type of eye surgery performed with specialized lasers. These lasers were designed so that you can live without the restriction of glasses or contact lenses.
Eye surgery lasers correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Like other types of laser eye surgery, LASIK has very high success rates and safety considerations. However, with any surgery, you should educate yourself on any potential risks and complications that may arise. Though rare, many of the side effects and complications that are possible following LASIK surgery are easily correctable by medical treatment or surgical intervention.
In this article, we will go over some of the most common side effects patients experience after corrective eye surgery.
It is important that prior to your surgery, you discuss the following potential LASIK risks with your surgeon:
- Dry eyes
- Infection
- Residual refractive error
- Keratoectasia
- Regression
- Flap complications
- Vision complications
- Epithelial ingrowth
Dry Eyes
A usually temporary side effect, dry eyes affect about half of patients who undergo LASIK surgery. Artificial tears are used in the early post-operative period by all patients to prevent this feeling. Sometimes describes as “gritty” or “sandy”, this feeling usually dissipates in the first 6-months following your surgery. If dry eyes are already a problem you deal with prior to LASIK, it may be best for you to look into PRK, a different type of laser vision corrective surgery.
Infection
To prevent infection following your surgery, it is vital that you follow the instructions of your health care professionals regarding medication and attend your early check-ups following your operation. Usually, an infection in the eyes is treatable with antibiotic drops or other medications, but may require additional surgery in more severe cases. It is essential to remain vigilant in the early post-operative period to any changes in vision or to any increases in discomfort, and to notify your doctor immediately.
Residual Refractive Error
Unfortunately, patients with a stronger prescription may not have the results they desire initially. If significant and bothersome, residual refractive error can usually be corrected with additional procedures to enhance the vision.
Keratoectasia
This condition, defined as a forward bulging cornea, is only possible if the patient has an underlying corneal disease. The symptoms to be on the lookout for include an increase in astigmatism, blurred vision and loss of corrected vision. Your doctor will complete thorough testing to determine the presence of a corneal disease prior to your surgery and the chances of developing Keratectasia are incredibly rare. It is important to trust your Doctor’s judgment in whether or not you are a suitable candidate for LASIK.
Regression
Unfortunately, one LASIK risk is the possibility of regression of vision over time. However, it is important to check with your LASIK provider, as many offer lifetime enhancements if you find your vision is regressing and your Doctor determines that additional surgery is safe to perform. Before scheduling your LASIK procedure, it’s a good idea to know your surgeon’s policies regarding enhancement and additional charges.
Flap Complications
According to one study, less than 0.5% of patients who get LASIK experience flap complications. Not rubbing or bumping your eyes after LASIK is an essential part of ensuring your corneal flaps will heal properly. A wrinkle in the flaps can result from an injury to the eye, and if this occurs, you may require an additional procedure to smooth out it out.
Vision Complications
However rare, it is possible for your vision to actually worsen following a LASIK procedure. It is incredibly important that you put great thought and care into choosing your LASIK surgeon, and to ensure that the newest and most updated technology is being used by well trained individuals to perform your procedure.
Epithelial Ingrowth
It is possible for corneal tissue to regrow under the LASIK flap during the healing process. This is called “epithelial ingrowth.” It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of epithelial ingrowth, which include slight discomfort and blurred vision. Though it may sound scary, this condition can be resolved by additional procedures if the growth affects the patient’s vision.