LASIK Risks

Considering LASIK to improve your vision? LASIK can significantly improve your quality of life by offering freedom from glasses and contacts. You can pursue your passions with renewed confidence and ease. The procedure takes just a few minutes, and its results can have a tremendous impact on a patient’s quality of life.

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries certain risks. While the majority of patients are highly satisfied with their results, it’s essential to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the possibility of complications. Understanding the potential risks is a important part of making an informed decision.

These are potential risks, and not everyone experiences them. The likelihood of experiencing these risks can vary depending on individual factors. Here’s what you need to know:

Potential Risks and Side Effects of LASIK Surgery

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for many individuals. However, like any surgery, it carries inherent risks and potential side effects. These can be broadly categorized into temporary inconveniences and less common complications.

Temporary Side Effects:

• Dry Eyes: A frequent post-operative effect is temporary disruption of tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms like irritation, grittiness, and a foreign body sensation. Artificial tears and prescription medications can effectively manage dry eyes.
• Night Vision Disturbances: Nighttime glare, halos, and light sensitivity can sometimes occur after LASIK. These symptoms are usually temporary and improve as the eye heals. However, in rare cases, they may persist for a longer duration.
• Discomfort and Blurry Vision: Immediately following surgery, some patients experience discomfort, blurry vision, or light sensitivity. These effects typically subside within a few days.
• Red Spots on the Eye (Subconjunctival Hemorrhages): Tiny red spots on the white part of the eye are a common occurrence after LASIK. These spots are harmless bruises caused by the suction ring used during surgery and typically disappear on their own within a few weeks.

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects. If you do encounter these temporary inconveniences, open communication with your ophthalmologist is crucial. They can provide guidance on managing these effects and ensure a smooth recovery process.

Less Common Complications:

• Undercorrection or Overcorrection: The laser may remove too little or too much corneal tissue, leading to blurry vision. Additional procedures might be necessary to achieve optimal correction.
• Flap Complications: Issues with the corneal flap created during LASIK, such as folding or displacement, can cause infections or vision problems.
• Corneal Ectasia: A weakening of the cornea, causing bulging and potentially worsening vision. This is a rare but serious complication.
• Vision Loss: In rare instances, LASIK surgery can lead to permanent vision loss.

While these complications are uncommon, understanding them empowers you to ask informed questions during your pre-operative consultation.

We cannot promise that you will never need contacts or glasses again – beware of anyone who makes such a promise – but LASIK can drastically decrease your dependence on these visual aids. Keep the information on this page in mind when planning your LASIK procedure and weighing its risks. Additional information can be found at the FDA’s Medical Devices page.

Additionally, the following patients should not have LASIK:

• Those with collagen vascular disease
• Those with autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases
• Patients with signs of keratoconus or abnormal corneal topography
• Women who are pregnant or nursing
• Patients who are taking the medications isotretinoin (Accutane™) or amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone™)

Why Choose TLC?

At TLC, we prioritize patient safety and satisfaction. Our commitment is reflected in:

• Experienced Surgeons: Our team comprises highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists who are leaders in LASIK technology.
• Advanced Technology: We invest in the latest diagnostic and laser technology to ensure precise and safe procedures.
• Lifetime Commitment: Our unique TLC Lifetime Commitment® provides qualified patients with complimentary enhancement procedures if needed in the future.

Take the Next Step

Ready to take the first step toward a life of clearer, hassle-free vision? Schedule your free LASIK consultation today to determine if you’re a candidate and discover how this life-changing procedure can transform your daily experiences. Don’t wait—start your journey to better vision now!