Eye Problems Caused by Laser Surgery

LASIK, which stands for "Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis" is done to improve eyesight. LASIK, when done properly, lessens the need for contact lenses and glasses. It is sometimes done for cosmetic reasons. LASIK surgery uses a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea. There are side effects from the surgery and problems that due occur, causing the surgeon to readjust minor errors in sight in a process known as a "retreatment." Patients should make sure to discuss any sight problems after LASIK with a LASIK surgeon.

Infection or Inflammation

• Infection or inflammation is severely rare following LASIK surgery, though many people fear it will happen to them. Eye infection or inflammation does not occur in properly done surgeries and when proper techniques are used. If infection or inflammation does occur, it will do so within the first 48 to 72 hours after the surgery. It is important to stay away from things that may cause eye infection such as eye makeup, hot tubs and swimming pool water for the first week after surgery. It is also important that you go to your scheduled follow up sessions, even if you feel fine and are experiencing no problems. Additionally, antibiotic drops will be given to you to use to prevent infection.

Regression

• Regression occurs when eyesight begins to drop slightly toward its original prescription. This occurs occasionally in patients with higher amounts of myopia (nearsightedness or shortsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness, longsightedness) or astigmatism (an abnormally shaped cornea that prevents normal vision) who have had LASIK surgery. If the regression is quite significant, enhancement procedures may be done if the cornea is thick enough to warrant retreatment. Enhancements are usually preformed three to six months after the initial LASIK surgery. Sometimes simple adjustments like wearing glasses to drive at night or to read are required to help eyesight.

Dry Eye

• It is normal for patients to feel a "gritty" or "sandy" feeling in their eyes following a LASIK surgery. The condition begins to correct itself over the course of one to three months. It is necessary and important to use hydrating eye drops after the surgery to help the eyes heal. If you have a history of dry eyes, it is important to tell your surgeon so she can evaluate your condition before and after the surgery. Also tell your surgeon if you experience dry eyes while wearing contacts.

Induced Astigmatism

• It is possible for LASIK surgery to induce astigmatism after the surgery. Vision will be blurred following surgery. Astigmatism may be corrected with an over-corrective surgery or an under-corrective surgery. An over-corrective surgery is one where the laser's amount and shape does not fit the eye properly and over-corrects the vision, over-shooting the original prescription. An under-corrective surgery occurs when the laser's amount and shape creates vision that is not as sharp as the original prescription, leaving the patient still needing to use glasses and contacts. Small degrees of astigmatism can usually be tolerated. If your vision does not meet your expectations after surgery, it is probable that an over-correction, under-correction or induced astigmatism has occurred. These situations can be corrected with retreatment.

Conclusion

• If you or a loved one undergoes LASIK and still experiences problems with eyesight, then he should talk to his LASIK surgeon. The surgeons can still correct errors in vision and restore adequate vision to the patient, even after laser correction errors. If retreatment does not help, the patient should rely on sometimes using glasses and contacts if proper eyesight cannot be returned. However, LASIK surgery is often successful and complaints or problems are rare, but can be fixed easily.