Oh, the Horror! LASIK Risks and Complications

First, it is highly unlikely that your ophthalmologist will burn your eye out with LASIK. And, unlike Final Destination 5, the laser will not literally kill you. However, there are serious risks with LASIK, albeit small. In fact, over hundreds of thousands of LASIK procedures, the success rate is over 95%. When looking at difficulties and risks, many studies from the '90s continue to be cited. LASIK today, just over a decade past those studies, is much improved. Also improved? The eyesight of nearly every single patient.

LASIK Risks

Some of the risks are more common than others. The most common risk is a complication with the flap made during surgery. This corneal flap must be made in LASIK so the laser can reach and reshape the cornea to very exact proportions. Well, flaps can tear. Flaps can come loose after the surgery. Dead cells may be caught beneath the flap, causing Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis, also known as "Sands of the Sahara." Not only is this painful, but may result in scarring and blindness. How's that for scary?

Fortunately, bladeless LASIK has done a good job of eliminating many of these concerns.

Many lucky individuals with severe astigmatism can have it corrected with LASIK. This is a vast improvement with the evolving process of laser vision correction. A side effect of traditional LASIK may result from improper laser correction or when the surface of the cornea is not smooth. The result may be double vision, and may require additional laser surgery to fix it. This puts you back in the way of many other risks as you go "under the knife."

Other Common Risks and Side Effects

• Dry eyes – Very common side effect due to inflammation and infection. Can be resolved with artificial tears. Usually.
  
• Keratectasia – When the flap is cut too deeply or too much corneal tissue is removed, the result can be a weak and bulging cornea, which can result in distorted vision. This is a permanent condition.
  
• Problems with Night Vision – Traditional LASIK is usually the culprit with these kinds of problems. Halos and double-vision are not uncommon. This may also result from the surgeon treating too small an area of the pupil.
  
• Infection – Infection is a risk in nearly every medical procedure, and LASIK is no different. The risks of this are greatly reduced through the application of antibiotic eye drops.
  

So, there are a lot of problems that may occur due to LASIK surgery. However, the chances are less when your ophthalmologist is experienced and board-certified. Then your chances of being eaten by a shark, struck by lightning, or abducted by aliens or Sasquatch are greater.

If you have any questions or concerns about LASIK risks, please find an experienced eye doctor in your area today.

Happy Halloween.

Preventing Epithelial Ingrowth after LASIK

A new technique may better prevent the recurrence of epithelial ingrowth after LASIK. Following the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting this month, Dr. John A. Hovanesian presented a slightly different surgical technique to remove ingrowth and prevent it from recurring.

In a study of 38 patients with ingrowth, almost 80 percent had no recurrence when Dr. Hovanesian’s technique was used. His procedure is highly similar to standard removal of ingrowth with a few altered and added steps.

Epithelial ingrowth is one of the more common LASIK complications. Ingrowth occurs when cells regenerate along and under the edge of the corneal flap. When ingrowth does occur, your eye doctor may simply monitor the condition. Some cases of ingrowth are not severe and do not significantly affect vision. In more severe cases, the epithelial ingrowth affects vision and must be removed.

Serious cases of ingrowth can lead to:

· Feeling like there is a foreign body in your eye

· Ghosting

· Halos

· Loss of LASIK results

· Pain

· Irritation

· Aggravation of dry eye

If you are experiencing a LASIK complication or would like to learn more about LASIK, please find an experienced eye doctor in your area.

LASIK and Today's Economy

In times of economic hardship, including times of high unemployment, there is often a decrease in elective procedures like LASIK. Other elective procedures fall under the categories of plastic surgery and cosmetic dentistry. These services often become cost prohibitive when people are struggling to meet their monthly expenses.

The cost of LASIK has remained somewhat stable over the last few years because of a slight decrease in demand. Less people received LASIK in 2010 than in 2009, but far less people opted for the surgery in 2009 compared to 2008.

LASIK is an investment in a long-term vision solution. The benefits of LASIK include:

• In most cases, LASIK drastically reduces the amount of time the patient has to wear glasses or contacts. Although, even after LASIK, many people find it helpful to wear corrective eyewear some of the time.

• Many people enjoy new activities free from glasses. After LASIK, many patients are able to get up in the morning and jump right into sports and activities without first having to put on glasses or contact lenses.

Ultimately, you are the only person who can decide when LASIK is right and affordable for you. Even though times are tough, be wary of surgeons offering LASIK at deep discounts. Because of the technical nature of the procedure, LASIK requires an experienced and qualified eye surgeon to minimize risks and provide you with the results you are looking for.

To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, please contact an experienced LASIK surgeon in your area.

Common LASIK Myths

Many people do not consider LASIK as an option because of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the vision correction procedure.

Myth: LASIK surgery is dangerous.

Fact: Risk is inherent in any surgical procedure. Although there are rare cases of LASIK surgeries gone wrong, most LASIK procedures (when performed by a qualified and experienced LASIK surgeon) do not end with irreparable eye damage.

By choosing a LASIK surgeon who has received excellent training and has had extensive experience, you decrease the risks associated with the procedure. You should also choose a surgeon who uses state-of-the-art technology and approved lasers.

Myth: LASIK is too new to know much about the risks.

Fact: The procedure was approved by the FDA in 1999, but the principles regarding refractive vision correction had been studied since the 1900s and earlier.

Today, LASIK surgeons have a good understanding of the risks associated with LASIK as well as the most common side effects, including dry eye.

Myth: LASIK is only temporary and requires repeat surgeries.

Fact: About 10 percent of LASIK patients need a “touch-up” surgery. LASIK permanently changes the structure of your eye, and the majority of repeat procedures are required to fine tune vision results.

Myth: You will never need glasses again after LASIK.

Fact: LASIK will not prevent presbyopia, a normal aging of the eyes that all people experience in their 40s and beyond. You will most likely need to wear reading glasses as a result of this condition. Also, LASIK is not a guaranteed way to provide 20/20 vision. Some LASIK patients find that they still benefit from wearing glasses some of the time (at night, for instance).

There are many myths regarding LASIK. To learn more about the procedure or find a LASIK surgeon near you, please contact the LASIK Directory today.