Information from websites about the complications of LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) is usually understated by LASIK surgeons. LASIK surgeons make their living (usually a very lucrative living) from the procedure as is evident from the adjacent advertisements). The information that the LASIK surgeons post, generally, trivialize the complications, and in some cases take the form of advertisement to attract paying patients to their sites. Here, we have made a concerted effort to list most of the published complications of LASIK and as you will see, it is an astonishingly long list. Unfortunately, our list is incomplete as the long term effects are just beginning to be known. If you are considering having the procedure, carefully consider the below list of published complications. Many of these are vision threatening and require corneal transplantation which may be unsuccessful. Others result in permanent loss of vision. Click on the links of the reported complications of (LASIK) include :
- keratectasia requiring cornea transplant
- corneal perforation requiring cornea transplant
- inaccurate IOL power calculations for cataract surgery
- retinal detachment
- optic neuropathy
- stromal scarring
- thin irregular flaps
- buttonholed flaps,
- incomplete flaps,
- dislodged flaps,
- free cap,
- flap folds,
- epithelial implantation and ingrowth,
- accumulation of interface debris,
- epithelial defects,
- topographical central islands,
- decentered ablation
- induced astigmatism,
- halos (glare)
- loss of contrast sensitivity
- dry eyes
- infectious keratitis
- sterile infiltrates,
- diffuse lamellar keratitis
- cataract formation
- decreased endothelial cell counts
- difficulty with contact lens fitting,
- unilateral and bilateral macular hemorrhage
References (see links above)
1. Melki SA, Azar DT, LASIK complications. Survey of Ophthalmology 2001; 145: 95-116
2. Cameron BD et al. LASIK- induced optic neuropathy. Ophthalmology 2001;108:660-665
Just like with other surgical procedures, Lasik too comes with risks. Before undergoing this refractive surgery, consider the possible side-effects associated with the it.
ReplyDeleteeye care
My uncle is interested to undergo Lasik surgery in order to remove his cataract. I know that Lasik surgery can help us have a perfect vision as well but I am afraid of laser so I am still having second thoughts.
ReplyDelete-Jeannine Siems
Lasik surgery can really help a person that has an eye problem. However, there are times that a machine can malfunction if the personnel are not doing regular maintenance. I am still thinking if I will go through that surgery because I am afraid to lose my vision permanently if something goes wrong.
ReplyDelete- Leillin Travertski
I think with every surgery you always have risks attached, but sometimes the surgery is more important to have than having the alternative. For me, I am afraid of lasers,and I do not like a lot of things in my eyes. However, if I were going blind anyway and having this surgery would be the only other way to fix it, I would try it. Sometimes you have to look at the cons of not doing the surgery as well. lasik
ReplyDelete