LASIK is a type of eye surgery used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. With more than 90 percent of patients achieving 20/20 to 20/40 vision, LASIK eye surgery has a fairly successful history with a low rate of complications. However, there are risks with any surgery. Before deciding to undergo LASIK surgery, consult your doctor, and be sure that you understand the side effects and complications that could occur.
Common Side Effects
Dry eye is the most common side effect of LASIK eye surgery. Artificial tears can provide temporary relief until the condition subsides on its own, usually a few weeks to a few months after surgery. However, in some cases dry eye can be a permanent problem. Other common side effects of LASIK surgery include poor night vision, light sensitivity, pink or red spots on the white of the eye, blurry vision, seeing "halos" around lights, and reduced sharpness of vision.
Severe Side Effects
Severe problems with LASIK surgery are less common but still possible. As with any surgical procedure, infection and inflammation might occur, requiring antibiotics or even another operation. A problem with the corneal flap is another complication that could require surgical treatment. There is also the small chance that, even after surgery, vision will be worse than it was before. Other possible severe LASIK surgery side effects include permanent vision loss and under- or over-correction of the vision error.
Significance
The first laser was approved for LASIK eye surgery in 1998. Since then, LASIK surgery has been performed on millions of people with minimal complications. For a small number of people, common side effects of LASIK eye surgery are permanent, but for many people these problems diminish over time. Although severe complications can cause irreparable damage to the eye, they rarely occur.
Considerations
Immediately following surgery, you can expect to experience side effects such as itching, burning, mild pain, tearing, and hazy or blurry vision. Take into consideration the fact that you may miss a few days of work until these symptoms subside. Symptoms should begin to improve shortly after the operation but your vision will continue to change for up to six months.
Warning
Your chances of experiencing side effects from LASIK eye surgery increase if you already suffer from certain eye conditions such as dry eye, keratoconus (deterioration of the cornea), large pupils, thin corneas and previous eye injuries or surgeries. Other health issues also can contribute to problems with LASIK surgery. Have your doctor examine you for complicating conditions before undergoing the operation.
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