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Serious complications from Laser Eye Surgery are quite rare. However, it is still a medical procedure and risks and side effects should be discussed. Under or over correction – It’s possible that with LASIK, the correction may end up being more or less than you need. While your vision will still be significantly improved compared to prior to the procedure, some patients prefer to wear a thin pair of glasses with mild correction for certain activities such as night driving. Depending on the level of under/over correction, a laser enhancement may also need to be performed. Dry Eye – After LASIK, patients often have eyes that are more dry than prior to the procedure. This is treated with frequent rewetting drops and sometimes with small plugs placed in the tear drainage system. The dryness improves over time with most people feeling much better after one week to one month. A recent study showed that one year after LASIK, the cornea is not any more dry than it was prior to the procedure. Glare, Halos, and Ghosting Images - Often for the first week after LASIK these can occur. They are typically a short-term phenomenon with patients usually recovering in about one week and sometimes one month. As the eye heals from the procedure these symptoms typically resolve but rarely they can be permanent. If so, glasses or contact lenses can reduce these symptoms. Infection, inflammation, corneal ectasia - These conditions are all unlikely, but can possibly occur. If infection or inflammation is present it will be treated aggressively. If the infection or inflammation does not respond to our medications it can cause glare problems and decreased vision. It may require a second laser procedure to be performed to help eradicate the problem. Corneal ectasia is a rare condition that causes the cornea to continue to change shape long after the LASIK procedure is over. If this occurs, vision can eventually deteriorate again and require the use of glasses or contact lenses in the future. In rare and advanced cases, a cornea transplant would be necessary. Other rare risks are possible, speak to your refractive surgeon for more details. | |
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