lasik complications

Lasik Complications

LASIK is a very safe surgery. It is called an ambulatory surgery, meaning that you can walk out of the surgical center shortly after the procedure and do not need to spend the night. You may be given a sedative, but you will not be under general anesthesia. Even so, every surgery carries risks of complications, including LASIK.

Serious complications occur in only 1-5% of all LASIK cases. LASIK Complications are different from LASIK side effects. Proper screening of patients prior to surgery reduces the likelihood of complications. You can help your doctor with this process by being honest and forthcoming with information that may affect your candidacy for LASIK. If LASIK is not appropriate for you, you may be able to have a different type of laser vision correction.

Undercorrection or Overcorrection

In some cases the amount of correction in LASIK is too much or too little resulting in vision that is not as good as it could be. Some overcorrection and undercorrection will resolve itself within a month of surgery. If not, a second surgery can correct the problem. You will need to wait about three to six months after your initial surgery so that your eyes are stable for the enhancement surgery.

People with a high prescription are at greater risk for overcorrection and undercorrection.

Because contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, your ophthalmologist will instruct you to stop wearing them for a period of time before the final measurements are taken and prior to your surgery. The length of time depends on the type of contacts your wear. Failure to adhere to these instructions can result in inaccurate measurements and a poor outcome from LASIK surgery.

Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis

Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is sometimes referred to as “sands of the Sahara”. It occurs when foreign matter gets under the corneal flap and your immune system launches an attack. Left untreated, DLK can cause permanent vision loss as the immune system continues to try to resolve the problem, damaging the cornea.

Your eye doctor can easily correct the problem. Schedule an appointment right away if you are experiencing these symptoms:

• Pain
• Constant feeling that something is in your eye
• Blurry vision
• Light sensitivity

In most cases DLK clears up with medication, but in rare cases surgery is necessary to remove debris from under the flap.

Induced Astigmatism

Scarring of the cornea can cause it to warp, leading to astigmatism. This is a rare complication.

Infection

Infection is rare after LASIK, but it can happen after any type of surgery. Your ophthalmologist will give you antibiotic drops to use after your surgery to prevent infection. Always use them as directed and keep the bottle clean.

You can learn more about the potential complications of LASIK by visiting eyes.com today.

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You can learn more about the potential complications of LASIK by visiting eyes.com today.

Lasik vs PRK, advice?

I’m going to join the Army, and I’m thinking of having lasik eye surgery before leaving for boot camp. I am nearsighted and I have large pupils, I don’t know if this would be a problem (for the halo effect at night etc).
Are serious complications common (besides dry eyes and temporary side effects)? Does PRK have less risks than llasik

i know people that have had lasik and they still cant see well or they need glasses still for reading Prk is better is what i am saying.You can get a lasik consult for free and they will tell you which one would be better for you.

Lasik Complications Patient Doing well with Scleral Lenses