LASIK (laser assisted In situ keratomileusis) surgery has gained popularity over the last several years. It is an effective way to permanently improve eyesight by correcting refractive errors like (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) or defects.

Lasik reshapes the cornea and reduces or eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses. People undergoing LASIK surgery no longer need glasses and contact lenses. The majority of patients experience significant vision improvement and a high rate of satisfaction. Still, if someone is considering LASIK surgery, you must be wondering what are the potential eye complications and risks associated with LASIK surgery. LASIK long-term effects include stable vision for most, but some issues or visual disturbance may persist.

In this blog, we will explore LASIK surgery risks and complications, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.

1. Dry Eyes: One of the most common LASIK surgery side effects is dry eyes. During the procedure, nerves in the cornea that control tear production may be temporarily disrupted. This can decrease tear production, resulting in symptoms like dryness, burning, and a gritty sensation.

Dry eye is a temporary problem and can be reduced by over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or prescription medications. Usually, dry eyes improve over time but some patients need treatment.

2. Visual Disturbances: Some patients experience visual disturbances such as glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night, after LASIK surgery. These symptoms can be troublesome when driving at night or in low-light conditions.

These visual disturbances often decrease as the eyes heal. If they persist, further evaluation might be required, and treatments such as special contact lenses or additional procedures might be considered.

3. Under-Correction or Over-Correction: Sometimes LASIK surgery results in an under-correction or over-correction of vision. This means the patient might still require glasses or contact lenses after the procedure. Under-correction happens when the cornea is not reshaped enough to correct the vision problems, while over-correction occurs when too much reshaping is done.

If under-correction or over-correction occurs, a follow-up procedure called an enhancement may be performed. This secondary procedure can fine-tune the results of the initial LASIK surgery.

4. Flap Complications: In LASIK, a flap is made within the cornea to expose the area beneath it that the laser will reshape. Flap complications include the dislocation of the flap, infection, or inflammation. These can consequently affect the patient’s vision, although this is not common in most cases.

Flap complications are treated with antibiotics for infection or medication for inflammation. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to reposition or repair the flap.

5. Infection: Infection is one of the possible risks associated with any surgery and also with LASIK. Postoperative infections can lead to many complications such as corneal ulcers or even loss of vision if not treated on time.

Following through with the ophthalmologist’s postoperative care instructions can minimize the risk of infection. These usually include antibiotic eye drops and avoidance of activities that may expose the eyes to bacteria.

6. Corneal Ectasia: Generally, a rare but serious complication, it consists of progressive thinning and weakening of the cornea. This can cause drastic drops in vision and be treated further or even with corneal transplant surgery.

Corneal ectasia should be diagnosed as early as possible so that proper management may be done. Later on, it will be treated with contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, or surgery, depending upon the severity and progression of the condition.

7. Postoperative Pain: Many patients undergo LASIK with some discomfort or pain during their early postoperative period. Most of this discomfort is mild in nature and temporary; however, it can be quite annoying.

Postoperative pain is generally managed with prescription pain relief medications accompanied by lubricating eye drops. Most patients find that the discomfort fades after a few days.

8. Loss of Vision: Although rare, loss of vision does occur after LASIK surgery. Loss may be caused by severe infections, corneal scarring, or any major complications which may be caused by it.
Preoperative tests are means to identify individuals who have a higher risk of losing their vision. In this case, where there is severe loss of vision, extra therapies could be implemented or the patients were referred to ophthalmologists.

9. Unsatisfactory Results: In some cases, the patient may not achieve the anticipated restoration of their vision. This poor outcome is attributable to several factors, specifically hesitation, insufficient correction, side effects, and unrealistic expectations.

This makes it very important to discuss expectations with your ophthalmologist before the surgery so that if the results turn out unsatisfactory, then further treatments or corrective measures can be taken.

What is LASIK enhancement surgery?

It is a secondary surgery done for further adjustments in the shape of the cornea after the original LASIK surgery in such a manner that any residual refractive errors or complications that have developed since the primary surgery get eliminated.

Following are instances when Lasik enhancement surgery is required. After complications at the post-operative stage, any vision changes over time, or if the vision of the patient is not as clear as expected after the primary Lasik surgery.

Conclusion:

Although the results of LASIK surgery concerning the restoration of clear vision are outstanding, they include risks and complications. Knowing these probable problems will let you make a better decision and be prepared for this surgery. Common complications from Lasik surgery include dry eyes, visual disturbances, and flap complications. At the other extreme are serious but uncommon risks like corneal ectasia and loss of vision.

Thus, before LASIK, one needs good consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist who can evaluate a patient for potential risk factors and discuss possible results of the surgery, including long-term side effects. Always be informed, that you are to be close and work closely with your eye care professional to help ensure a successful LASIK experience and achieve the best results possible.

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Written and Verified by:

DR. PANKAJ DHAKA

MBBS, MD (AIIMS, NEW DELHI)

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