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3.5 Minute

13-09-2024 Team Medicover general

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Girish Loya, General Medicine

LASIK Surgery Complications: Risks and Management

LASIK surgery is a popular and effective way to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, like any surgical procedure, it comes with its own set of risks and potential complications. At Medicover Hospitals, we prioritize patient safety and transparency, so it's crucial to understand the common LASIK surgery complications and how they might affect you.

Common LASIK Surgery Issues

Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery

One of the most common complications after LASIK surgery is dry eyes. This occurs because the procedure can temporarily reduce tear production. Most patients experience some level of dryness for the first few months post-surgery. Symptoms can include:

Burning sensation
Itching
Redness
Blurred vision

At Medicover Hospitals, we offer a range of treatments to manage dry eyes after LASIK surgery, such as artificial tears and prescription eye drops. Most cases resolve within six months.

LASIK Surgery Night Vision Problems

Some patients report difficulties with their night vision after LASIK surgery. This can manifest as:

Glare
Halos around lights
Starbursts

These LASIK surgery night vision problems are usually temporary and tend to improve over time. However, for a small percentage of patients, these symptoms may persist longer. Medicover Hospitals uses advanced wavefront-guided technology to reduce these visual disturbances.

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LASIK Surgery Infection Risks

Post-LASIK Infections

Infections are a rare but serious complication of LASIK surgery. While the risk is low, it’s essential to follow all postoperative care instructions to reduce the likelihood of post-LASIK infections.

Symptoms may include:

Severe pain
Redness that doesn’t improve
Discharge from the eye
Blurred vision

At Medicover Hospitals, our sterile surgical environments and comprehensive post-surgical care are designed to minimize these risks.

Post-LASIK Complications

LASIK Flap Complications

During LASIK surgery, a small flap is created in the cornea. Occasionally, issues can arise with this flap, known as LASIK flap complications, including:

Flap dislocation
Flap wrinkles (striae)
Flap inflammation

These can often be corrected with additional treatments. The risk of flap-related issues is one reason why choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon is essential.

Undercorrection or Overcorrection

Sometimes the laser may remove too little or too much corneal tissue, resulting in:

Blurry vision
The continued need for glasses or contact lenses
Additional enhancement surgery

Medicover Hospitals uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to minimize these risks.

Long-term LASIK Complications

Ectasia

Ectasia is a rare but serious complication where the cornea progressively weakens and thins after surgery. Symptoms include:

Distorted or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
In severe cases, the need for a corneal transplant

Thorough preoperative screening at Medicover Hospitals is designed to detect patients who are at risk for ectasia.

Vision Regression

Vision may regress to its original state over time, especially in patients with high myopia. In such cases, enhancement procedures may be offered. Regular follow-ups are essential to detect and treat vision regression early.

Preventing LASIK Surgery Complications

Thorough Preoperative Screening

We conduct a comprehensive pre-LASIK evaluation to ensure you're a good candidate for the procedure. This includes:

Detailed eye exams
Corneal thickness testing
Assessment of pupil size
Medical history review

These steps help in identifying risks like ectasia or undercorrection beforehand.

Advanced Technology

Medicover Hospitals uses cutting-edge tools such as femtosecond lasers and wavefront-guided systems to enhance surgical precision and reduce the likelihood of LASIK surgery complications.

Experienced Surgeons

Our surgeons are skilled and experienced, having performed thousands of successful procedures. Their expertise plays a crucial role in preventing LASIK flap complications and other risks.

Managing LASIK Surgery Side Effects

Follow-Up Care

Proper postoperative care is key to healing and avoiding post-LASIK infections. Medicover Hospitals schedules regular checkups to:

Monitor healing
Detect early complications
Adjust treatment as needed

Medications

We prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops to aid healing and prevent infections. It's critical to follow these instructions precisely.

What to Expect During Recovery

Immediate Post-Surgery

Rest: A few hours of rest is advised immediately after the procedure.
Protective Shields: You'll be given shields to protect your eyes from rubbing or pressure.

First Few Days

Expect vision fluctuations
Avoid touching or straining your eyes
Use eye drops as prescribed

First Few Weeks

Attend follow-up visits
Avoid makeup or lotions near the eyes
Protect eyes from dust and bright lights

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Conclusion

While LASIK surgery is generally safe and highly effective, being informed about potential risks and complications allows for better preparedness and peace of mind. At Medicover Hospitals, we take every precaution from advanced screening and technology to expert surgical teams and personalized aftercare to reduce complications and optimize results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients with astigmatism may be at slightly higher risk of undercorrection or visual distortions post-surgery. However, with today’s advanced wavefront and topography-guided technologies, these risks can be effectively minimized.

Yes, though rare, some patients may experience late-onset post-LASIK infections or ectasia years after surgery. Regular eye exams and early symptom recognition are essential even after long-term success.

Temporary blurriness, mild discomfort, or dryness are common during healing. However, persistent pain, severe redness, vision loss, or discharge should prompt an immediate visit to your ophthalmologist to rule out infections or flap issues.

Yes, LASIK is commonly performed on both eyes during the same session. However, if a patient is at higher risk of complications, some surgeons may opt to treat one eye first to observe healing and outcomes.

Medicover Hospitals use FDA-approved technologies, conduct detailed preoperative screenings, and have experienced eye surgeons to ensure safe and precise LASIK outcomes. Comprehensive post-surgical care is provided to minimize risks and manage any complications early.