Understanding Safety, Complications, and How Surgeons Minimize Concerns

For anyone considering LASIK eye surgery, waking up to sharp, unaided vision is a truly exhilarating idea. While this life-changing procedure boasts a remarkable safety record, it’s also normal to have a few worries about LASIK’s risks and complications. At Best LASIK Surgeons, we’re here to guide you through what these risks are, but more importantly, how advancements in technology and skilled surgeons minimize the risk percentage. While no surgery is entirely risk-free, rest assured that LASIK risks are generally low and that the overwhelming majority of patients experience life-changing results with high satisfaction.

The Reality of LASIK Risks – What You Should Know

Modern LASIK procedures boast an impressive safety record with a patient satisfaction rate exceeding 96%. While certain risks exist, most side effects are minor and temporary, with serious complications occurring in less than 1% of cases. To help create a distinction, here are common short-term LASIK side effects vs. long-term LASIK risks:

Common Short-Term LASIK Side Effects

These are temporary and often resolve within weeks or months after your LASIK treatment:

• Dry, gritty, or uncomfortable eyes are the most common short-term side effects of LASIK, which can be managed with lubricating eye drops (3-6 months).
• Your vision might change in the initial days/weeks following the surgery, resulting in blurry vision.
• You may temporarily have increased sensitivity to light.
• There’s the risk of a slight over or under-correction which may require a touch-up enhancement.
• There’s a risk of developing red spots on the white of the eye, which typically resolves within 2 weeks.

Potential Long-Term LASIK Risks

If you’re worried about long-term LASIK risks, know that serious complications are rare, as advanced technology and rigorous pre-operative screening have significantly reduced risk factors. Some long-term risk considerations are:

• Chronic dry eyes that last beyond 6 months (affects 2-5% of patients).
• Some patients may experience visual disturbances like glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night but these diminish within 3 months (1-3% of cases).
• In very rare cases, some of the initial vision correction may gradually diminish over time, requiring enhancement surgery – this is called regression of vision correction.
• 0.1% risk of infection.
• Corneal ectasia, a serious condition where the cornea weakens and bulges is rare.

Who Faces Higher LASIK Risks and Complications? 9 Conditions That Are Screened For

Certain pre-existing conditions can potentially increase the likelihood of experiencing LASIK risks, which is why it’s recommended you discuss your full medical history with your chosen LASIK surgeon during your consultation, as this helps them to verify your candidacy.

1. Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjogren’s syndrome.
2. Unmanaged diabetes (especially with retinopathy).
3. Chronic dry eye syndrome.
4. Keratoconus (corneal thinning).
5. Naturally thin corneas that don’t have adequate thickness for a LASIK flap.
6. Severe refractive errors.
7. Unstable vision prescription.
8. Larger than average pupil size.
9. You’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

How Top LASIK Surgeons Minimize Your Risk?

The LASIK risk percentage drops dramatically when you choose board-certified and experienced LASIK surgeons who have expertise in patient selection and advanced surgical techniques. Here’s how qualified surgeons ensure that you’re safe when undergoing LASIK treatment with them:

1. Comprehensive Pre-Surgical Screenings.

Top LASIK surgeons conduct comprehensive eye examinations to assess your candidacy, identify potential risk factors, and ensure LASIK is the best choice for you. You’ll undergo:

• Extensive corneal mapping helps identify any irregularities or conditions like keratoconus.
• Have your tear production and eye moisture evaluated to assess your risk for dry eye syndrome.
• Have detailed corneal thickness measurements taken.
• Have your complete medical history reviewed for specific situations, conditions, or symptoms that would make LASIK inadvisable.

2. Using Advanced Lasers & Tracking Software.

Modern LASIK uses remarkable technological innovations to customize, and boost the safety profile of the treatment. Top surgeons have access to:

• Wavefront-guided technology for customized treatment.
• Femtosecond laser precision for blade-free flap creation.
• Eye-tracking systems that adjust for even microscopic eye movements.
• Real-time corneal monitoring during the procedure to ensure precise laser delivery even with slight eye movements.

3. Strict Sterilization Protocols.

There are strict sterilization protocols in place to prevent infections and to maintain a sterile surgical environment, such as single-use instruments for each patient, thorough sterilization of reusable equipment using autoclaves, and comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the surgical suite between procedures.

4. Post-operative Aftercare.

The best LASIK surgeons provide detailed post-operative care instructions for you to follow, and complete follow-up appointments readily to monitor you for proper healing to minimize any LASIK recovery risks.

Unlock Clear, Customized Vision – Find a Top LASIK Surgeon Today!

While understanding general aspects of LASIK risks is a helpful starting point, the most effective way to gain personalized insights into your specific vision needs and potential for success is through a consultation with an experienced LASIK surgeon. The highly qualified professionals listed in the Best LASIK Surgeons national directory specialize in thorough evaluations and will address all your individual questions, so you can take your next step towards a clear, customized vision.