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.