The Disadvantages of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery (or LASIK) can seem like a godsend for those with vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. In this out-patient procedure, a surgeon reshapes the cornea with a laser to correct the vision problem. The surgeon creates a thin flap of corneal tissue with a small oscillating blade and pulls back the flap to expose the cornea and reshape it with a laser. The flap is then repositioned over the cornea. Although most patients are fully satisfied with the surgery, it does have potential disadvantages.

Imperfect Correction

• LASIK surgery does not always result in 20/20 vision without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. Occasionally, the surgery can result in an over- or under-correction of vision. When this occurs, a patient may need additional surgery to achieve the desired correction, putting herself at additional risk for other complications. In some cases, the ideal correction may never be attained, even with additional treatment: the patient will always require glasses or contacts to have perfect vision.

Infection

• There is a tiny risk of developing a corneal infection with LASIK. Though rare, such an infection is a fairly serious complication. If not treated promptly it can result in a scarred cornea or a severe and permanent loss of vision. Doctors regularly prescribe antibiotic eye drops post-procedure to prevent infections, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you suspect that you have developed an infection.

Dry Eyes

• A common complication following LASIK surgery is dry eye syndrome. Patients with this condition cannot produce enough tears to keep their eyes comfortably moist. According to Medicinenet.com, dry eyes syndrome is a temporary condition in most patients and self-resolves shortly after the surgery. However, the condition can remain or become worse in certain patients --particularly those that had dry eyes before the surgery --and they can suffer from burning, redness, a scratchy feeling in the eyes, or even reduced vision. Dry eye syndrome is typically treated by applying artificial tears to the eyes, or with medication that increases tear production.

Distorted Vision

• Sometimes the surgeon can remove too much tissue from the cornea or cut the corneal flap too deeply. If this happens, keratectasia--a bulging of the cornea --can occur, which results in distorted vision. This distortion cannot be repaired through surgery, although certain types of contact lenses may be used to keep the cornea in place. Patients with thin corneas are at the greatest risk for this complication and might be advised against LASIK surgery.

Impaired Night Vision

• LASIK surgery can also result in problems with seeing bright objects in the dark or at night. Patients see starbursts, halos or glare around bright objects in dark places, making driving at night or in low light difficult or impossible. This condition may eventually improve, but for some people it is a permanent visual defect.

Loss of Vision

• Very rarely, there can be a problem with the creation of the corneal flap, equipment malfunction, scarring, or medical malpractice in the course of a LASIK surgery. As a result of such errors, a patient can have a permanent loss or reduction of vision.