However, like any other invasive operation, there is a potential for adverse results. It’s important to make an informed decision, before agreeing to any treatment. So, when the doctor is discussing the benefits, make sure to listen to the Lasik eye surgery complications as well.
Lasik Benefits
Anybody that has heard about Lasik probably knows its benefits. Satisfied patients are ecstatic to put their glasses away and view life with perfect vision. Many patients now see life in 20/20. Others may still need to use corrective lenses, but the prescription is greatly reduced. Some only need to use glasses when they are doing close-up work like reading.Although vision can still digress in the future, and they may need glasses again at a later date, it may never be as bad as before the surgery. Individuals are no longer groping the night stand for unseen glasses anymore. Thick, unattractive lenses are a thing of the past. For many individuals, the potential benefits are definitely worth the risks of a Lasik procedure.
Lasik Complications
While the majority of patients are happy with the results, there are others that experience Lasik eye surgery complications. In many cases, some of these adverse outcomes are only temporary. In other instances, the pain, discomfort, and impaired vision last a lifetime.A Lasik procedure cannot be reversed. For good or bad, the results are permanent. When the results are positive, everything is great; when they are negative, patients wish they could undo what has been done. So, it’s very important to weigh the pros and cons, knowing that the following complications are possible:
Dry eye – A lot of people have dry eye. To ease the symptoms, they occasionally use eye drops to provide moisture. But, when patients suffer dry eye after Lasik, it can be much more than a minor inconvenience. The eyes become so dry that individuals are required to put eye drops in several times an hour. They even have to add drops to their eyes in the middle of the night, so that they don’t dry out. For some patients, the symptoms will abate over a period of a few months. For others, it is a lifetime of vision challenges.
Poor vision quality – For some Lasik patients, the results of the procedure is devastating. Instead of improving their vision, it makes it worse. In fact, the effects can be totally debilitating, making it impossible to drive or work. For example, the eyes may see people and objects as if they are a photo that has been overexposed. Because everything looks so bland, it’s impossible to drive, because depth perception is gone.
Cornea problems – During Lasik surgery, the doctor makes a cut in the Cornea and pulls back a flap. It is reshaped to let light reach the retina at the appropriate angle. Afterwards, it is replaced and should heal in a matter of days. However, in some patients the cornea never heals properly. Instead, it can become dislodged at any time, which impairs vision and makes it unsafe to drive a car or do certain types of work.
The cornea can also become weakened. It can result in a bulging cornea. When it cannot be repaired, patients are in need of cornea transplant.
Back in Glasses – most patients over 40 will still need glasses for reading or other close work. Even for those that realize perfect vision, they will likely end up back in glasses over time.
Undiagnosed glaucoma – After patients have had Lasik surgery, the pressure test for glaucoma may not be entirely accurate. A patient that is positive may test negative. As a result, patients will not receive the treatment needed to retain their vision for as long as possible.
Poor cataract surgery – Since the lenses have already undergone surgery in the past, the patients naturally developing cataracts later may not experience the best outcome. It will be harder to detect and diagnose the depth of the disease. Thus, it may require additional surgeries.
The above are just a few of the Lasik eye surgery complications that can develop after the procedure. Some problems may not occur until further down the road. For the majority of patients, the results will be positive, and they will be more than happy with the end result. But, for those individuals that suffer one or more of these, and other adverse side effects the procedure results in heartbreak. The best advice is to know your doctor and trust in his/her judgment and surgical skills. Talk about both the pros and cons of Lasik, so it is possible to make an informed decision.
