Complications of Lasik Eye Surgery
What are some of the risks associated with Lasik eye surgery? Under correction happens when the vision correction expected falls short of the desired result. Patients with a high degree of nearsightedness (only objects close up are clear), farsightedness (only objects far away are clear), or astigmatism are more likely to experience this (images both far and near are distorted). Why? More laser corneal sculpting is required for patients with higher degrees of vision imperfection.
When speaking with Lasik eye doctors, inquire about the percentage of patients who require retreatment due to under-correction. This should be something they feel comfortable discussing with you. If not, get out of there! This is not to be confused with a deliberate mild under correction for nearsighted patients over forty that helps them read. However, you and your Lasik eye surgeon would have discussed this before your procedure.
According to many studies, wavefront LASIK eye procedures are more successful. This can be ascribed to the technology’s precise measurement techniques. However, as with anything good in this world, it comes at a price. Wavefront LASIK eye surgery is significantly more expensive than traditional LASIK. If you’re on a limited budget, consider whether it’s required or worth the extra money. It is not uncommon for wavefront LASIK surgery to cost twice as much as a traditional LASIK procedure. In addition, wavefront LASIK is the sole option if you have higher order aberrations. As a result, your choice should consider not just your budget but also your vision requirements.
Unfortunately, most health insurance plans currently cover neither traditional LASIK surgery nor wavefront LASIK surgery. However, there is a chance that your traditional health insurance plan will cover LASIK eye surgery in the future. When you consider how much money LASIK surgery saves you throughout your life, not having to deal with the difficulties of eye maintenance like glasses or contacts, LASIK surgery is the better option. You’d think that health insurers would prioritize you because of these factors, but they now have more pressing issues, so don’t hold your breath.
When considering LASIK eye surgery?
It’s critical to meet with a qualified LASIK physician. He or she can advise you on whether traditional LASIK eye surgery is appropriate for you if you are an excellent candidate for wavefront LASIK eye surgery. And what the surgery entails, both preoperatively and afterwards. Don’t be swayed by price alone; finding a qualified LASIK surgeon is far more important to your eyes than saving a few dollars.
Overcorrection is a less common complication than under correction, and it occurs when the amount of correction (corneal laser sculpting) is greater than expected. Slight overcorrection is common after Lasik surgery and usually goes away within the first month. Patients with minor overcorrections can manage them by wearing glasses until their vision improves. Overcorrected people may require additional Lasik eye surgery 3 to 6 months after their initial procedure.
- Dry Eye – Many Lasik eye surgery patients report feeling ‘grittiness’ in their eyes after the procedure. This condition normally goes away in three to six months, and lubricating eye medications can assist. However, patients on birth control pills and those going through menopause are more likely to develop this illness. If your ‘dry eye’ lasts longer than six months, Lasik eye surgeons may suggest plugging your tear ducts with microscopic silicone plugs to keep tears from draining too quickly.
- Corneal abrasion: The microkeratome (the tool used to generate corneal flap) used during surgery may cause a tiny corneal abrasion (scrape) in a small percentage of Lasik eye surgery patients. This type of abrasion is usually not significant and heals fast. Lasik eye surgeons may temporarily insert a thin bandage contact lens on your eye to aid healing. The vision will be impaired as your abrasion heals.
- Night glare: While this unpleasant condition may not impair your vision, patients may experience halos or ghosting of images at night during the first month after surgery. Night glare usually improves in three months and is gone in six months. Night glare may be more common in patients with big pupils and significant visual impairment.
A corneal flap problem develops when the flap is too tiny, too thin, or has an uneven shape. If a patient touches their eyes for the first 6 hours after surgery, the corneal flap may shift somewhat. ‘Wrinkles’ can appear if the flap moves, producing vision distortion. A second surgery may be required to smooth out the creases and improve vision.
Infection is the most commonly feared Lasik eye surgery complication, yet it is incredibly rare. If your eye becomes infected, it will most likely occur during the first 72 hours of surgery and will be treated with antibiotic eye drops. As a result, it’s crucial to stay away from eye makeup, hot tubs, and swimming pools for at least the first week after Lasik eye surgery.
With qualified Lasik eye doctors, Lasik Orange County risks are minimal, but you should know the potential consequences before surgery. Before undergoing Lasik eye surgery, Lasik eye surgeons should detail all possible outcomes. Make every effort to place your eyes in the best possible hands.
