Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Complications

No eye surgery is completely without risk, but the thousands of successful Lasik and PRK procedures which take place every day without any problem should be reassuring for most candidates.

The biggest risk after Lasik (Lasek) surgery is that the flap of the cornea may be dislodged by rubbing the eyes. Wearing glasses and goggles is the main way to prevent this complication. Infection may also be a risk, but using the eyedrops and antibiotics prescribed will reduce this complication considerably.

Problems and complications associated with corrective surgery include developing dry eyes. This is very likely in most patients and eye drops should be applied frequently for the first few months as the eye heals completely.

PRK has a longer healing time than Lasik (Lasek), as tissue must reform. Patients who have had Lasik (Lasek) only need the flap of cornea to heal back in place, which is quicker and less painful. There is some discomfort and possible pain after both procedures, but pain-killing eye drops are prescribed to make the early days after surgery almost pain-free.

All types of Lasik (Lasek) and PRK surgery often results in glare, halos and starburst aberrations especially when viewing lights at night. Driving for several months after dark should be carefully assessed if you develop this problem, as it is hard to judge the distances of traffic lights and brake lights which are dazzling. Dark glasses may help reduce the glare, and in time this side-effect should cure itself.

Under and over correction is always a possibility. Using a highly reputable surgeon who specializes in this type of surgery and operates regularly will reduce the risk of error. The surgery can be repeated or corrected in most cases if necessary.

Perhaps the biggest complaint of Lasik (Lasek) and PRK patients is that they still need to wear glasses for close reading work, even if the surgery is successful for seeing most objects and wearing contact lenses or glasses full-time is no longer necessary. Another disappointment which your surgeon will warn you about is that your sight continues to change and deteriorate with age. Whilst having Lasik (Lasek) or PRK surgery may result in 20/20 vision, after a few years you may need to wear reading glasses again as your sight changes.

In 1-3% of cases patients actual result in having worse sight than before the procedure due to surgical complications, but this is becoming less and less of a problem as lasers become more sophisticated in tracking the cornea during the surgery.

Most patients are very happy with their surgery and consider the few days of discomfort and the ensuing minor problems are well worth the risks. Not having to live with contact lenses or glasses generally improves the quality of life for most candidates.