Laser Vision Correction

Risks of Vision Correction Surgery
In qualified hands, LASIK and other vision correction procedures are extremely safe, with complications occurring only rarely. However, complications do occur and you should be aware of their possibility before undergoing surgery. Some of the potential downsides of LASIK can include:

Flap Complications: In a very few cases, the corneal flap may wrinkle or shift shortly after surgery. These problems occur in less than 1% of LASIK cases at Casey Vision Correction Center. The problem may resolve on its own, or the surgeon may gently smooth or straighten the flap. In some cases, a bandage contact lens may be needed for a brief period. Other potential flap complications include infection and debris or inflammation under the flap. These complications are very rare, with an incidence rate of well under 0.5% of patients at Casey Vision Correction Center. If these problems occur, they can usually be quickly treated with the appropriate eye drops.

Corneal haze: Fewer than 2% of PRK patients and 0.5% of LASIK patients experience corneal haze. Haze is most noticeable at night and usually peaks two to three months after surgery. In many cases, the haze is unnoticed by the patient and is only observed by the doctor during an eye exam. In most patients, the haze clears up on its own within a year. Rarely, the surgeon will recommend an enhancement to reduce haze.

Dry Eyes: Some people may experience dry eyes temporarily after surgery, although in a few cases it may become a long term problem. Dry eyes may feel scratchy, itchy, irritated, or even watery, but the discomfort can usually be relieved with a type of eye drop known as artificial tears. If artificial tears do not solve the problem, small silicone plugs called punctal plugs can be gently placed in the ducts through which moisture drains from the eye. Punctal plugs are usually only needed for a brief period, but may occasionally be a long term solution. People who have dry eyes before surgery are more likely to experience dry eye problems afterwards.

Under-Correction or Over-Correction: Although most LASIK patients achieve the targeted refraction, the occasional person may have an unusually aggressive or unusually weak healing response. In these cases, the eye can be under- or over-corrected. Once the healing process is complete and vision has stabilized, the doctor assesses the eye's refraction: if myopia of one diopter or more remains at that time, the surgeon may recommend an enhancement. At Casey Vision Correction Center, enhancements are performed at no charge for one year following the initial surgery.

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