LASIK Isn't Perfect For Everyone

Lasik problems have diminished over the years and with the new technologies, however there are some potential complications to be aware of.

When a patient is considering LASIK he may be concerned that there might be complications. The advancements in the Lasik technology have made it so that it's extremely rare for complications from this procedure to cause any permanent or significant vision loss. Also, Lasik problems can be corrected through re-treatment or follow up surgeries to the eye.

Lasik problems generally were more common in the beginning years of LASIK. Studies completed in the late 1990s showed that up to 5% of people having the eye surgery experienced some type of problem.

Experienced LASIK surgeons now are showing evidence in trade journals that serious Lasik problems can be held well below 1% of those treated. However the surgical candidates are selected very carefully in order to reduce the amount of potential Lasik problems. Some patients will not be candidates for the LASIK procedure. Examples of patients that may not be candidates for the Lasik procedure include those that have certain conditions such as pregnancy or diabetes that can affect how well your eye heals.

Lasik problems can occur when certain health conditions exist. Any conditions that might hamper your ability to heal should be mentioned and discussed in length with your eye surgeon. Lasik problems can occur if a patient has large pupil size and might be a risk factor for LASIK complications. This can occur due to the fact that pupils in dark conditions can expand beyond the area of the eye that was treated. This concern should also be discussed with your eye surgeon as well as any other questions you may have.

While LASIK outcomes have improved and have a high rate of success, remember that there is still that fraction of less than 1% of people who do experience sometimes serious and ongoing vision problems following the LASIK procedure. You should rationally consider what patients who have had LASIK problems have to say and consider these factors when considering your own Lasik needs. Remember the fact that it is absolutely true that no surgical procedure is free of risks. A patient considering the Lasik procedure should to take into account all the risks and benefits.

A very small number of patients, which although they have excellent vision based on eye chart testing, still can have bothersome Lasik problems. For example, it is rare but possible that a patient may see 20/20 or better with corrected vision while at the same time having symptoms such as double vision (diplopia), problems with unresolved dry eye, or night vision problems because of glare or halos around lights.

The bottom line is that Lasik problems occur infrequently with the advanced procedure but to remember that it is still a surgical procedure.

When you sign the LASIK consent form provided by your eye surgeon, you should do so with a full understanding that, even in the best of circumstances, there is a slight chance that something unintended could occur. Even so, most problems eventually can be resolved.