Lasik laser eye surgery is a favored, safe, and effective method of improving vision to avoid the need for vision aids like contact lenses or glasses. Before committing to the procedure, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified surgeon to learn what to expect, including the potential risks.
LASIK – laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is a popular intervention for corrective vision impairments such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s a popular alternative to wearing corrective lenses.
Vision is improved when reputable surgeons with Lasik eye surgery in NYC alter the cornea, a curved transparent tissue at the front of the eye, using a precise laser. The cornea is responsible for bending light toward the retina in a healthy eye.
Eye impairments cause the light to bend improperly, leading to blurry vision or, in some cases, vision loss. LASIK has a high satisfaction and success rate; however, it’s crucial to become aware of the effects and potential risks.
When you’re aware of the signs of a failed intervention, you can make better decisions to maintain a healthy vision. Consider the following potential complications.
Undercorrection/Overcorrection/Regression
The success rate is high for clients achieving 20/20 vision or better when undergoing LASIK surgery. There are rare cases where clients don’t reach this level and must still rely on vision aids. If the laser removes too little or too much tissue or the healing response is atypical, the outcome will be impacted.
In some cases, eyes don’t respond in the way they’re predicted to. Also, the result could be optimal immediately following surgery, but it regresses due to “over-healing.”
In most cases, after the surgeon confirms the residual refractive error has stabilized, additional laser correction can be performed to treat an undercorrection or regression. Visit – LASIK surgery: Is it right for you? – Mayo Clinic – to learn if LASIK is right for you.
Dry Eyes
Some clients experience a decrease in tear production following their vision surgical intervention. This can cause blurred vision and eye discomfort. Roughly half of those who undergo the procedure will experience some degree of temporary dry eye syndrome.
The condition subsides relatively quickly with lubricating eye drops and other treatment methods.
Usually, clients can expect dry eye issues to be resolved once the eyes are fully healed. This can take approximately six months. People inquiring about LASIK with a preexisting severe dry eye condition are typically eliminated as candidates.
Infection
Infection is a rare occurrence following a LASIK procedure. The corneal flap serves as a natural bandage. In standard laser eye surgery, infection is less frequent compared to PRK, which is a flap-free corneal refractive surgery.
Following post-operative care instructions, including using medicated eye drops, can further reduce the likelihood of infection and manage inflammation as the eyes recover.
If an infection does occur, this can be a major complication and is often caused by poor sterility measures during the surgery or poor postoperative habits, such as not following post-operative guidelines. Management depends on early diagnosis and treatment, which can range from a few weeks to months.
Flap Complications
When performing LASIK laser eye surgery, the surgeon creates a thin flap on the cornea’s front surface. The practitioner lifts this during the process for laser reshaping and replaces it to serve as a natural bandage.
If the flap is improperly made, striae or microscopic wrinkles can develop, or it won’t adhere to the surface correctly. These complications can lead to distorted vision and optical aberrations.
Flap complications are extremely rare, below 1 percent, and can be successfully managed within the surgical session.
Epithelial Ingrowth
A relatively uncommon issue, particularly one that results in symptoms. With epithelial ingrowth, the cornea grows beneath the flap. When the growth is central, it can lead to some decreased vision. Specialized, precise lasers that create vertical side cut flaps prevent this condition.
If a client suffers from this issue with the potential for their vision being affected now or in the future, the surgeon will use a simple intervention to lift the flap and scrape the ingrowth from each side.
Post-Lasik Ectasia
Ectasia is rare but can be a major complication that occurs months or even years after the surgery. The cornea becomes increasingly thin and bulges, leading to a progressive increase in minus/cylindrical powers.
Some risk factors leading to ectasia include a thin cornea, younger age, and preexisting corneal abnormalities identified on pre-surgery corneal maps. These are reasons quality and qualified board-certified surgeons perform thorough assessments to determine a client’s eligibility for the surgery.
Fortunately, treatment for ectasia has advanced over time, with collagen cross-linking helping to stop the progression in cases where it develops.
A few side effects to pay attention to following your LASIK laser eye surgery. These can vary from one person to the next and should subside over time.
– Glare/halos: This effect can happen in some cases for clients, particularly at night, with halos and glares around lights. It can make driving difficult and challenging to perform activities in low-light conditions. These are typically temporary and will improve as the eyes recover.
– Light sensitivity: Following surgery, some clients report an increase in light sensitivity or photophobia. This can be uncomfortable in bright situations. You can manage this effect by avoiding excessive exposure to vibrant lights and wearing sunglasses when outside.
– Fluctuating vision: Commonly, vision will fluctuate while your eyes are recovering. That can mean times of clarity followed by periods of blurriness. Your vision can take a few weeks to become stable.
Final Thought
While Lasik is a highly beneficial corrective surgical intervention for many people, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and side effects in order to make the most informed decision as to whether the procedure is right for you. Go here for details on LASIK laser eye surgery.
The risks are incredibly rare, and side effects are typically temporary and will subside as the eyes recover. The priority to ensure optimal results is to do due diligence in researching for a top-notch professional with Lasik eye surgery in NYC.
