LASIK Complications

LASIK complications were said to be high in the early days of the procedure. In the early 1990’s, studies have shown that nearly 5% of the patients treated by LASIK undergo some kind of complication. In most cases, it is observed that patients may experience certain LASIK Complications such as higher incidences of corneal haze, halos, diminishing visual quality, corneal scars, infections, delayed wound healing, recovery, instability in optimal visual outcome, loss of near vision, night vision impairment and complaints of dry eyes.

According to the FDA published reports and trial tests results, some of the major LASIK complications are enumerated as:

Corneal Instability or Post-LASIK Ectasia: Results from weakening of the cornea due to removal of too much tissue. It is thought that 250 microns of untouched deep corneal tissue must remain to prevent Ectasia following laser treatments. A LASIK procedure will create a corneal flap (usually between 160 and 180 microns depth) and the laser treatment is then carried out on the remaining corneal tissue. The untouched deep corneal tissue is, therefore, thinner following a LASIK procedure than a surface based laser treatment. Although the figure of 250 microns of untouched corneal tissue is generally taken as a safe level following LASIK treatment, there is relatively little scientific data to validate this figure, which is speculative, and still the subject of debate.

Corneal Haze: Due to cutting of the cornea, there is less healing after LASIK and a greatly reduced incidence of haze. If the corneal flap does not heal in a regular fashion it can alter the shape of the cornea, which can result in a reduction of the corrected vision.

Reduction in Visual Quality: Even though LASIK corrects your vision, it might not be exact and the patient may require corrective lenses so as to get perfect vision. A second surgery may also be required in certain cases. There is a risk (between 2.7% and 4.8%) of loss of two or more lines of Best Corrected Visual Acuity after LASIK.

Infection: Debris under the corneal flap and epithelial ingrowths under the corneal flap may cause inflammation. Chances of cornea infection are less than 0.1% and is said to be one of the primary complications. This can lead to a delay in the entire healing process.

Deterioration in Vision: Some patients may complain of the vision being deteriorated after surgery and this may be due to an irregularity in the removal of tissue or even because of a corneal haze developing and wrinkling of the corneal flap. Retinal hemorrhage, retinal artery and venous occlusion may also be possible.

Weakening: In certain cases the patient may have a weakening of vision after a few months in which case a repeat surgical procedure is recommended.

Halo Effect: With the enlargement of the pupil, a second image that is faded can be visible. This happens due to the peripheral cornea that has not been treated. This can interfere with the night vision of the patient.

Loss or Damage of Flap of Tissue: A completely free corneal flap, which may require stitches to hold it in place. The central cornea can get a flap off from tissue after LASIK, the fear of damage or loss to the flap exists.

Dry Eyes: Is a problem that is seen many times after surgery. The eyes can feel itchy and dry. Redness and pain are also symptoms of this problem.

Other Problems: Includes dissatisfaction among some patients, especially older ones. One cannot have both near and distant vision without using lenses. If there is a delay in the treatment procedures of both the eyes, it may so happen that the functioning of the eyes together may cause some problems.

The above complications have generally been reported as occurring in between 0% and 4% of patients undergoing the LASIK procedure. Though available clinical data on LASIK surgeries have yet to explain and analyze the true rate and the extent of incidence of such LASIK complications in patients, it is by far observed that if a patient suffers from any of such complications and goes untreated for long periods, the condition may lead to a permanent reduction of best-corrected vision.

LASIK is to be performed only by a certified doctor and the patients should be screened thoroughly and should be given a clean bill of health for the surgery. The complications and risks involved in such a procedure need to be understood well before the surgery.