LASIK
Risks and Complications — And How To Avoid Them
LASIK is an elective surgery and, even though
it is quick and relatively painless, it is not without risks and
complications. If you are thinking about undergoing LASIK surgery
to correct your vision troubles, there are some things that you
can do to avoid some risks and complications of the procedure;
of course some risks are unavoidable, but you can certainly take
some steps to lessen your chances of experiencing a LASIK complication.
Some of the risks and complications that can occur
from LASIK surgery include: partially loss of vision, post-op
visual problems, dry eye syndrome, infection, incorrect treatment,
and blindness. Some LASIK surgery patients experienced loss of
part of their vision which they are unable to get back; other
LASIK surgery patients developed post-op vision troubles such
as glares, halos, and reduced or loss of night vision. Dry eye
syndrome is another risk, and it can cause permanent damage to
the eyes which can only be treated by the use of eye drops. In
rare cases, a malfunction occurs during the surgery and the eye
is damaged; additional eye damage can occur if the flap on the
cornea moves or becomes infected or inflamed, and this has led
to loss of vision or blindness in some cases. Sometimes the LASIK
procedure is not successful, and the patient still requires glasses
or contacts to see properly.
While many of the chances of developing complications
for LASIK are low, they still occur. To lower your risks for developing
these complications it is important that you are honest with your
doctor, that you perform all your research before you commit to
a surgery, and that you follow all instructions given to you.
During your initial examination, your ophthalmologist will need
to collect information on your medical history and current medications
that you may be on. Remember that all of this information is confidential,
and it is important that you are honest with your doctor. While
some medications can disqualify you from undergoing LASIK surgery,
it is better to be honest with your doctor instead of taking an
increased risk of harming your vision.
Independent research is one of the main tools
at your hand that can lower your risk levels and chances of developing
complications from LASIK surgery. Be sure that you take the time
to research the type of LASIK surgery you qualify for. Always
talk with at least a few potential surgeons, and research their
background by consulting consumer advisory boards and medical
boards. Bring a list of questions to ask potential surgeons, and
if you are uncomfortable with the surgeon or facility go somewhere
else.
You will be given instructions to follow before
your initial evaluation, before the surgery, and after the surgery.
It is imperative that you follow these instructions completely.
For example, contact sports should be avoided after a period of
time once the surgery is performed to prevent harming the healing
layers of cornea; disrupting this healing process could lead to
serious complications. Remember that while LASIK surgery carries
a low risk of complications, these complications can occur to
you. Be honest with your ophthalmologist, take the time to perform
independent research, and always follow instructions in order
to lower your LASIK procedure risks.
