Is Laser Eye Surgery Safe?

Generally, laser eye surgery is safe, but just like any other surgical procedure, it does involve certain risks. Although a large number of patients have been able to stop using their glasses after surgery and achieved a 20/40 vision or even better, there are still some things you should take into account before choosing a “safe” laser eye surgery. A small number of patients actually experience a decreased vision after surgery.

Post Operative Infections

Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is certainly helpful to make laser eye surgery safe, but there's always the risk of post operative infection. This risk is higher in PRK and LASEK than LASIK. In most cases, these infections can be treated with medication and usually don't turn into long-term problems. However, more sever complications ca result into temporary vision loss or even worse. The healing process is longer for PRK and LASEK than LASIK.

Corneal Haze

This is a common side effect of laser eye surgery, but usually fades with time, although not always. It can't be corrected with contact lenses or glasses, but only a further surgery procedure to treat scarring, such as CustomVue WaveFront.

Vision Loss

Laser surgery procedures which use a microkeratome blade to cut a flap involve the risk of cutting it off instead of leaving it hinged. If the flap is damaged, the patient may suffer vision loss. Successful procedures that use a blade can still leave small imperfections that can result in blurred vision.

Newer technology which doesn't involve cutting a flap from the corneal tissue, such as IntraLanse makes laser eye surgery safe. These procedures are more accurate, but also more expensive. There are some techniques to correct imperfections left by a blade too.

Decreased 20/20 Vision

Many types of laser eye surgery can leave scarred tissue, resulting in a 20/20 vision lower than the one the patient used to experience before treatment. Over corrected or under corrected vision is also a common side effect of laser eye surgery. In such cases, glasses or contact lenses may still be needed or the patient may be recommended a second surgery for more effectiveness.

Other Problems

Some patients also experience glare, sensitivity to light, decreased night vision or problems with double vision after laser eye surgery. Usually these side effects fade out over time, but no one can guarantee this will surely happen. The shape of your eye can change over time and eventually require a second surgery or using glasses or contact lenses.

Realistic Expectations

However, you should not have exaggerated expectations about a laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery is not a universal treatment and may be unsuitable for certain people. There are actually three things to consider:
l Is laser eye surgery safe?
l Are your expectations reasonable?
l Is laser eye surgery safe for you?

In order to know what to expect, you have to learn more about the benefits and risks of each type of laser eye surgery and talk to a doctor.

Laser eye surgery is not a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women, people who suffer from diabetes, patients who have problems with binocular visions, thin corneas, dry eyes or large pupils may not be good candidates for this type of treatment.

People who are pregnant, have diabetes, experience problems with binocular vision, have very dry eyes, thin corneas, or very large pupils are just a few examples of those that are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. To make the right choice, talk to your ophthalmologist and discuss the pros and cons of several techniques and how would each of them respond to your needs.

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