Risks of lasik surgery

Lasik surgery is perhaps one of the safest procedure conducted to treat or correct eye problems. New technology has given rise to new techniques that are easy to do and less invasive. Lasik surgery is relatively safe. However, like all surgical procedures, things can happen that may lead to complications. Lasik procedure is not perfect. It has its sets of risks and complications.

And there is no way of knowing whether a patient will develop them or not. The important thing is you find out as much as you can about it so that you will be prepared for any eventualities.

One good news is that problems in lasik surgery are not so common. In fact, a study conducted in the late 90s showed that only 5 percent of patients who underwent the surgery develop problems afterwards. Surgeons however argue that this rate can be lowered to one percent and has in fact been lowered due to the information gathered about the procedure. By selecting the right candidates for the procedure, surgeons can avoid complications.

Also, most of the complications that develop can now be resolved through laser procedures and other eye enhancement procedures. Although there is also a possibility of permanent and irreparable damage to vision, this happens rarely.

Lasik procedures necessitates the introduction of flaps into the eyes, which covers the cornea and is later replaced by a natural bandage. Complications happen if the flap is cut incorrectly. This will cause the flap to not adhere to the eye's surface. If the flap is also cut either too thinly or thickly, it can begin to wrinkle, thus leading to irregular-shaped eye surface. This can also lead patients to develop an eye defect called irregular astigmatism, which occurs when the corneal surface is not smooth. This condition often results to visual distortions such as double visions or what is popularly called as seeing "ghost images." Double vision or diplopia can also occur if there is irregular corneal healing or swelling but this often disappears eventually.

If the flap is instead cut too deeply or too much of corneal tissue is removed, a condition called Keratectasia may develop, wherein the cornea can bulge. This can result to distorted vision that can no longer be corrected even with another laser procedure. Most doctors would prescribe the use of contact lenses to help keep the bulging cornea in place.

Dead cells can also develop underneath the lasik flap, which may lead to an eye problem called Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK). Also called the Sands of Sahara, the condition can cause inflammation and scarring in the eye which may lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately through antibiotics and topical steroids.

If the case is becomes too grave, doctors may need to lift the flap and scrape the flap to remove foreign matter and dead cells. DLK may also lead to visual aberrations such as glares, ghosting, halos, starburst, loss of contrast sensitivity and other problems of low light and night vision.

Mistakes in the corrections of the eye in lasik surgery whether it is undercorrection or overcorrection can cause blurriness in the vision. Patients may need to wear glasses or contact lenses or have it retreated again. Other problems that may occur in lasik surgery is decentered ablations, oversized pupils, and irregular flaps.

Patients may also experience dry eyes as side effects of the procedure. Dry eyes can lead to itchiness in the operated area as well as redness and even pain. Doctors often induce artificial tears or put punctual occlusions, which blocks tear ducts.