How to Avoid Risks

The best way to avoid any risk is to choose an experienced surgeon to perform your surgery. Always make sure that the clinic you use has a good reputation, and ask them a number of questions before you decide to go ahead with the surgery.

The truth is that complications with the method of surgery in general are always decreasing, as the effectiveness of LASIK constantly improves. In the 1990s, when the surgery was relatively new, around 5% of patients would experience complications, but this number has now dramatically reduced. Serious complications are now well below 1%, though the risks are increased if you have certain pre-existing conditions.

It’s important to discuss the risks and any health conditions you may have with your surgeon. Be as honest with them as possible, as knowing all the details can help make sure everything runs smoothly.

Side Effects of Laser Eye Surgery

An Irregular Surface Shape: When complications do occur with laser eye surgery, this is usually to do with the flap that is created in the cornea as part of the process. Sometimes the flap may not heal properly, or it could have been cut either too thick or too thin. It may also wrinkle. All of these can lead to your eye becoming irregularly shaped, though these problems can be resolved with further treatment.

Irregular Astigmatism: This could result from a surface of the cornea that isn’t smooth. This could include symptoms such as ‘ghost images’ and will usually require further treatment.

Keratectasia or Keratoconus: This means a bulging of the eye’s surface that also results from the flap being cut too deeply. This can lead to distorted vision which can be corrected with further laser treatment.

Dry Eyes: This happens for around 50% of patients in the first six months following their surgery. However, this complaint will usually go away on its own.

Eye Infection: This is rare, though when it occurs it can be treated using eye drops that either contain antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

Undercorrection, Overcorrection or Regression: This is when the outcome in vision is not optimal, caused by a number of factors. Some patients’ eyes will not react to the laser treatment in a predictable way, though it could also be down to an inaccurate diagnosis. Additional treatment is usually required.