Various types of laser eye surgery exists today such as LASIK, LASEK and PRK. They all have high success rates and excellent safety profiles.
These surgeries are designed for treating myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and even allowing individuals to be able to live without glasses or contacts.
Most of the complications and side effects that are caused by LASIK surgery can be resolved through medical treatment or additional surgery. However, just like all other surgeries, this procedure also has its potential risks, limitations and side effects that one should be aware of before choosing to undergo it.
One of the ways of reducing these risks and to give you the best results is choosing a skilled and experienced eye surgeon from a professional eye clinic like Optilase. The common LASIK side effects and complications are listed below.
Vision disturbances and temporary discomfort
Patients should expect discomfort during the first few days after the LASIK surgery. These discomforts include light sensitivity and mild irritation. Patients may also experience glare, halos and starbursts during the first few weeks after the surgery.
This is usually common during the night and may further include dry eye symptoms, reduced vision sharpness and hazy vision. For most people, these problems are temporary, disappearing within three to six months after the surgery.
Flap complications
During the laser eye surgery, a thin hinged flap is created on the font side of the cornea. It is lifted during the surgery in order to allow the laser to reshape the eye. It is then replaced and forms a natural bandage.
When not made correctly, the LASIK flap may not adhere properly to the surface of the eye and develop striae (microscopic wrinkles that usually develop on the flap). Such complications lead to distorted vision and aberrations. Common problems that are associated with flap complications are:
- Irregular astigmatism
It is as a result of an unequally curved corneal surface. It may also be caused by irregular healing or laser surgery that was not well-centred on the eye. Symptoms resulting from irregular astigmatism include double vision or “ghost images”. Enhancement surgery or retreatment of the eye may be necessary.
- Epithelial ingrowth
This occurs after the LASIK surgery when the corneas outer layer, known as the epithelial grows under the flap. In most cases, this condition is self-limiting and therefore causes no problems. However, in other cases, blurred vision or symptoms of discomfort may appear. Additional surgery is then required so that the flap can be lifted and the epithelial cells removed.
- Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK)
DLK is a condition that arises due to inflammation under the flap. It has several causes. After LASIK surgery, inflammation of the cornea is normal. But when it becomes uncontrolled, it may cause vision loss or interfere with the healing process. DLK usually responds to different therapies like topical steroids and antibiotics. The surgeon may also need to lift and clean the LASIK flap, remove the inflammatory cells and prevent tissue damage.
- Keratoconus or Keractectasia
It is an uncommon bulging on the surface of the eye which occurs when a lot of tissue is removed for the cornea during the surgery or if the patient had a weak cornea prior to the surgery. Enhancement laser surgery is not used to treat this condition.
The doctor may prescribe corneal implants or gas permeable contact lenses to hold the cornea in its position. Cornea collagen crosslinking, a treatment that is used in strengthening the cornea may also be used.
Dry eyes
Some patients who have undergone this type of laser eye surgery experience a reduction in tear production which in turn causes blurred vision and discomfort. This condition is usually temporary and can be effectively treated by the use of lubricating eye drops among other measures.
Normally, dry eye problems disappear once the eye has undergone complete healing, usually six months or less. Individuals who are already suffering from dry eye are usually eliminated as candidates of LASIK.
Eye infection
Infections rarely occur on LASIK patients. This is because the cornea flap provide a natural bandage. In the case that eye infection occurs, medicated eye drops should be used as directed after the laser eye surgery. This will control inflammation and prevent any infection.
Read More of This Article Here: http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/risks-and-complications-associated-with-lasik-laser-eye-surgery/