Risks of LASIK Surgery

Before getting involved with any surgery, you should educate yourself about the risks. This is true of LASIK.

LASIK Complications
There are several complications associated with LASIK procedures, some more prevalent than others. How do you know if you have to worry? Most studies conducted during the late 1990s suggest the risk of complications averaged 5%.

Since that time however, newer technology and better-qualified surgeons now report the risks associated with LASIK are more along the lines of 1%. This of course, only applies to patients that are meticulously screened prior to surgery. The good news is most of these complications resolve relatively quickly after surgery or are temporary.

Among the more commonly reported complications of surgery are flap complications. Flap complications occur in the hinged flap covering the front of the cornea. Doctors typically lift this flap to reshape the cornea then replace so the flap serves as a bandage.

One of the risks associated with cutting the flap using a microkeratome is abrasion. However, new technology including use of IntraLase technology has limited this risk significantly.

Some studies suggest cutting a flap and then using custom LASIK procedures may result in adverse outcomes, in part because surgeons don't use custom procedures to create the hinged eye flap. Therefore replacing it over the reshaped cornea may result in less than optimal outcomes.

Another risk associated with LASIK is Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis or DLK. Many call this disorder the "Sands of the Sahara". It results when dead cells lodge beneath the corneal flap. The cornea mistakenly assumes these cells are harmful and initiates an inflammatory response. Unfortunately this may result in scarring, and permanent vision loss may occur if prompt treatment is not initiated.

Irregular Astigmatism
One common side effect resulting from traditional procedures is irregular astigmatism. This can result when laser correction isn't conducted properly or when the corneal surface is not smooth. The symptoms can include seeing double. Many patients experiencing this complication will need additional surgery to correct the problem.

Sometimes double vision is caused by minor swelling after surgery and resolves itself.

Other Common Complications
Here is a list of some other complications associated with LASIK:

• Keratectasia - This condition results when a surgeon cuts the flap too deeply or removes too much tissue during surgery. This results in weakening and bulging of the cornea. Distorted vision may be permanent.

• Dry eye - Dry eye is a much more commonly reported side effect of LASIK surgery. This can contribute to inflammation and infection, but is typically resolved using artificial tears.

• Infection - Some patients will develop infections following surgery. Fortunately the risk of infection is relatively low. Some doctors prescribe prophylatic antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection.

• Night Vision Problems - These are more common when surgeons use traditional LASIK procedures. They may also result when the surgeon treats too small of an area surrounding the pupil.

• Over or under correction - This can result in blurry vision or minor visual disturbances. Many times patients will have to wear contact lenses or glasses to resolve the problem. Re-treatment with the laser is often possible.

It is important you carefully weigh your risk of complications and side effects when talking with your doctor. Your doctor can help you make an educated decision and decide whether the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks.

Also See - Types of LASIK, LASIK Benefits, LASIK Risks, LASIK Surgery Cost, Find a LASIK Surgeon

This Article contributed by Snappy Writting