Lasik Surgery

1.  Dry Eyes

One of the most common LASIK complications is dry eyes.  This is caused when corneal nerves that are in control of tear production are severed when the flap is cut.  In many cases, the nerves do not return to normal and dry eye symptoms such as pain, burning and the sensation that something is stuck in the eye can be permanent.

2.  Loss of visual acuity

Also common among the LASIK complications set is loss of visual acuity.  In many cases, LASIK patients experience difficulty with contrast sensitivity and increased visual distortion at night.  In some cases, these complications are debilitating.

3.  Incomplete healing

In some patients, the cornea doesn’t heal – ever.  In the aftermath of LASIK surgery, the corneal flaps can be accidentally dislodged for the rest of the patient’s life.  This possibility makes those patients involved in rough contact sports less-than-optimal candidates for the procedure.

4.  Long-term negative LASIK complications

Because the procedure potentially affects the accuracy of intraocular pressure measurements (usually tested by your ophthalmologist by a puff of air shot into the eye), there is an increased risk that the patient could have undiagnosed glaucoma.

5.  Serious LASIK complications can surface later

Late-onset complications of the procedure can include loss of corner due to biochemical instability, inflammation, flap dislocation and more.  Because the flap creates access to the cornea for bacteria, the risk of infection is greatly increased.

6.  Risk of bilateral vision loss

LASIK complications of having both eyes done at once include potential for loss of vision in both eyes.  Further, the FDA warns that having both eyes done at the same time is riskier than having each eye done separately.

7.  Loss of close-up vision

Other LASIK complications include the potential for nearsighted patients to lose the ability to see up close.  Usually, those who are nearsighted can see at a close distance simply by removing their glasses.  LASIK patients over the age of 40 will often still have to use reading glasses.

8.  LASIK complications rates are actually unclear

There is no consensus about the rate, or even the definition of, LASIK complications.  In many cases, what may be considered a complication by some physicians is classified as a symptom by another.

9.  Rehab possibilities are few

LASIK surgery is irreversible, and when things go wrong the resource for remedying complications are very few.  In some cases, the patient may require a corneal implant, but even that does not guarantee improved vision.

10.  There are safer alternatives

There are other options for corrective eye surgery, such as PRK, which does not involve the cutting of a corneal flap.  Moreover, glasses and contact lenses are infinitely safer than surgery, and should not be discounted as viable options.

In sum, LASIK surgery is elective, and it is important to be aware of all of the possible LASIK complications before making the decision to proceed.