Do you honestly understand the possible side effects and complications of LASIK?

While vision-threatening problems are uncommon, some side effects, most notably dry eyes, and brief visual abnormalities, are very prevalent. However, symptoms often dissolve after a few weeks or months, and very few individuals see them as a long-term issue.

Eyes that are dry. 

LASIK surgery temporarily reduces tear production. Your eyes may seem especially dry for the first six months or so after surgery while they recuperate. Even after healing, dry eye problems may recur. During this time period, your eye doctor may prescribe that you utilize eye drops. If you have severely dry eyes, you may choose to have special plugs placed in your tear ducts to keep your tears from draining away from the surface of your eyes. You can learn more about the cost of lasik eye surgery at https://www.personaleyes.com.au/costs/lasiklaser-eye-surgery-cost

Halos, glare, and double vision. 

You may have trouble seeing at night after surgery. Glare, halos surrounding bright lights, or double vision may be seen. This usually resolves within a few days to a few weeks, but it may sometimes develop into a persistent condition.

Undercorrections. 

If the laser destroys insufficient tissue from your eye, you will not get the improved vision you want. Nearsighted individuals are more likely to need undercorrections. Within a year, you may need more refractive surgery (referred as as an enhancement) to remove additional tissue.

Overcorrections. 

Additionally, the laser may remove too much tissue from your eye. Correcting overcorrections may be more challenging than correcting undercorrections.

Astigmatism. 

Astigmatism can be caused by the uneven removal of tissue. Additional surgery, glasses, or contact lenses may be required. Learn more about astigmatism by clicking here.

Ectasia of the cornea. 

Corneal ectasia is a more serious complication that occurs as a result of progressive myopia caused by the cornea’s curvature steepening.

Flap issues. 

During surgery, folding back or removing the flap from the front of your eye can result in complications such as infection and excessive tears. During the healing process, the outermost corneal tissue layer (epithelium) may grow abnormally beneath the flap.

Loss or alteration of vision. 

Occasionally, you may experience vision loss as a result of surgical complications. Additionally, some individuals may lose their ability to see as sharply or clearly as they once did.

LASIK in comparison to reading glasses

All people lose some capacity to concentrate on adjacent objects (presbyopia) between their early and mid-40s, resulting in difficulties reading tiny text or doing close-up jobs.

One potential advantage of having been nearsighted for most of your life is that this condition compensates for the inevitable development of presbyopia as you age. Without reading glasses, a nearsighted eye will focus on close objects on its own. Because the nearsightedness has been corrected, LASIK surgery eliminates this near focus. This implies that as you age, you will require reading glasses. Many people are content to trade clear distance vision for the necessity of wearing “cheaters” for reading as they age.

If you are an older adult considering LASIK, you may want to consider monovision to preserve your ability to see close objects. Monovision corrects one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Not everyone adjusts to or tolerates monovision well. It is prudent to conduct a contact lens trial prior to undergoing a permanent surgical procedure.

Can you go several weeks without contact lenses prior to surgery?

This is usually not an issue, but keep in mind that you will need to discontinue wearing contact lenses and switch to glasses for at least a few weeks prior to surgery. Contact lenses distort your cornea’s natural shape, which can result in inaccurate measurements and a less-than-optimal surgical outcome. Your doctor will offer particular instructions based on your circumstances and length of contact lens usage.

What are your LASIK expectations?

For many years or decades, the majority of patients who have LASIK surgery will have good to exceptional vision in the majority of circumstances. You’ll be able to participate in sports and swim without having to worry about your glasses or contact lenses, or even simply see the clock first thing in the morning. However, as you age or in low-light circumstances, you may still need glasses.

The majority of patients express great levels of satisfaction after LASIK treatment. However, long-term outcomes are either unavailable or poorly explored. One explanation for this is that while patients are often content after surgery, they do not feel the need for repeat evaluations, and hence no follow-up data is obtained. Additionally, the LASIK treatment has been enhanced over time as procedures and technology evolve. This makes it more difficult to draw inferences from the provided data.

Bear in mind that even when postoperative evaluation and reporting are performed, eyesight is assessed under ideal testing settings. Your eyesight in weak light (such as at twilight or in fog) may be impaired to a greater extent than published data imply.

Your refraction may gradually deteriorate as you age, and your vision may not be nearly as excellent as it was immediately after surgery. This does not seem to be a significant issue, but the degree of change that may be predicted is often unforeseen.

How do you pick an ophthalmologist?

The majority of individuals have no direct experience with LASIK or an eye surgeon. When selecting an eye surgeon, it’s a good idea to consult with an eye specialist you know and trust. Alternatively, consult with friends or family members who have had successful LASIK.

Your eye surgeon will almost certainly collaborate with a team of professionals who will assist with your first examination and measurements. However, it is ultimately up to your surgeon to determine if LASIK is a suitable surgery for you, to validate the measurements used to guide the operation, to conduct the procedure, and to offer postoperative care.

Discuss your questions and concerns with your eye surgeon, as well as the benefits of LASIK. He or she can assist you in comprehending the advantages and disadvantages of surgery.

Final thoughts

There are no correct answers when it comes to LASIK eye surgery. Consider the considerations described here carefully, assess your preferences and risk tolerance, and ensure that your expectations are reasonable. Confide in an eye surgeon and get your questions addressed. Finally, if it seems right, go on; if it does not, do not hurry into anything.