Lasik Laser Eye Surgery

Experiencing Lasik eye surgery complication is not something prospective patients give much consideration to given the safe nature of the procedure. Can things go wrong? Sure they can but that is the nature of surgical procedures.

This article is not intended to scare you into oblivion regarding Lasik but more to make you aware that complication with Lasik can and does occur. How often? Well, the percentages are extremely small and if you’re feeling a little apprehensive at the moment then simply weigh up the benefits against the negatives.

Rest assured, if your surgeon doesn’t discuss the possibility of Lasik eye surgery complication during the pre-screening phase then put on your running shoes and head out of there as fast as you can.

Lasik Eye Surgery Complications

Let’s take a look at complication issues but before we do, here’s a quick recap of what is involved with this procedure.

Basically, a small flap is cut in the front covering of the eye or cornea. The flap is lifted so that the eye may be reshaped by the laser and then the flap is replaced as a type of bandage. It’s cut using a type of bladed instrument called a “microkeratome” or else with a laser.

The type of technology used will depend on the surgeon but it’s generally regarded that the laser offers less chance of complication. Here are some possible complications which may occur:

- the flap may not be cut correctly and it may fail to form properly to the surface of the eye or…

- a flap which is cut too thinly can also cause issues such as wrinkling upon the attempt to adhere the flap to the surface of the eye.

The result of the above problems could be responsible for an irregularly shaped eye surface and in time may lead to astigmatism or blurry vision.

Epithelial Ingrowth

Epithelial ingrowth is not a term familiar to most prospective eye surgery patients but it’s something you should discuss with your surgeon. While it’s not serious it can be nuisance value and basically means the patient could experience the following:

- visual aberrations
- experiencing glared vision
- light sensitivity
- double vision
- loss of contrast sensitivity

Retreating the problem area of the eye is the normal course of action although treatment with eye drops is also possible. It depends how serious the complications are.

Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis

Reaction to dead cells under the eye flap is another Lasik eye surgery complication known as Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis. This complication is potentially serious because it can lead to blindness if not treated immediately. The reaction of the eye to the dead cells is usually noticed via inflammation.

Treatment involves antibiotics or steroids. This is one of the complications your surgeon will speak to you about but don’t get too hung up about it until you’ve had it explained to you in more detail. Just make sure you discuss possible complication issues.

The risks associated with Lasik eye surgery is not discussed much simply because it’s an extremely safe procedure. The benefits far outweigh any risks yet, there are risks involved.

You should never go into any surgical procedure with “rose colored glasses”… at least not before you understand there may be complications involved.

Sight Loss

The most obvious complication is to lose sight. It would be extremely rare for any eye surgery to take place if it was discovered during the screening process you had a condition which was considered risky to the overall success of the treatment.

If someone was to suffer loss of vision it would more than likely be part vision which could not be rectified by using eyewear or further surgery.

Frustrating Halos

Halos might be considered holy in religious circles but they are on the not wanted list and a Lasik eye surgery risk you should be told about during the consultation phase. The problems with halo effects is that they generally occur during low light conditions and can hamper such things as driving at night.

Dry Eyes

Another Lasik eye surgery risk is what is known as dry eye syndrome. While dry eye shouldn’t have any long term effects it does present a degree of discomfort to the patient because the eye doesn’t produce enough moisture. Dry eye doesn’t need to be permanent and will require further treatment either via your surgeon or through recommended eye drop use.

Extra Treatment

It’s not uncommon for patients to re-visit their surgeons following the initial Lasik eye surgery treatment. Whether it’s for extra surgery or simply as a precautionary measure to keep an eye on the recovery process.

In fact, perfect vision following the initial surgery can be rare with patients who used eyewear before the procedure. The percentage of complications which actually occur is extremely low. These risks should be discussed with you when you sit down and talk with your specialist.