Laser surgery techniques have dramatically improved in recent years for both medical treatments and to correct refractive error. According to AllAboutVision.com, the United States military has adopted widespread LASIK surgery to reduce reliance on eye glasses, and less than 1 percent of patients experience complications. Techniques to treat diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma have also improved. However, possible problems include dry eyes, vision loss, double vision, inflammation, infection, neovascularization and retinal detachment.
Dry Eyes
LASIK is short for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It is the most common type of refractive surgery. LASIK corrects refraction by changing the shape of the cornea so that light focuses more precisely on the retina. SeeWithLasik.com warns that LASIK surgery can worsen dry eye syndrome or cause a temporary case of it. Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the patient lacks an adequate volume of tears or produces tears of poor quality, resulting in inadequate lubrication. Symptoms include red, itchy, scratchy eyes and excessive mucous around the eyes. Contact lenses are known to contribute to dry eye symptoms, and patients may seek out refraction correction treatment in order to discontinue wearing them. However, during the procedure cornea nerves may be severed, causing a decrease in tear production. Eye-and-Vision.com reports that most laser eye surgery patients experience dry eyes after the procedure for days or even months, but the problem is easily solved with artificial tears.
Vision Loss and Retinal Detachment
Laser surgery is used to treat diabetic retinopathy, a disease where blood vessels in the eye proliferate abnormally. This neovascularization creates new fragile vessels that can break and leak blood, possibly causing vision loss and even blindness. According to Donald S. Fong, M.D., M.P.H., and Robin Demi Ross, M.D., authors of “The Diabetes Eye Care Sourcebook,” possible complications of laser surgery include loss of vision, corneal burns, damage to the optic nerve or iris, glaucoma and retinal detachment.
The retina has the job of converting light into nerve impulses and sending them to the brain, where they are created into images. Complete retinal detachment from the back of the eye causes blindness. Laser surgery is also used to treat macular degeneration by destroying new blood vessels that can cause vision loss. The National Eye Institute cautions that laser surgery poses a tiny risk of retinal detachment.
Infection and Inflammation
Laser surgery patients typically receive an anti-inflammatory medication such as steroids and antibiotics to prevent irritation and infection. Without treatment, a corneal infection can cause scarring and vision loss. AllAboutVision.com explains that a growing problem after LASIK is an antibiotic-resistant form of Staphylococcus aureus.
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Other Complications
According to the authors of “The Eye Book," laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity. If the laser treats an area close to the center of the macula, it can cause a scar that results in blind spots. Other risks include bleeding, increased macular swelling, retinal scarring and improperly placed laser burns that can cause severe vision loss. Eyes-and-Vision.com notes that LASIK surgery may also cause temporary halos, glare, light sensitivity and a scratching, burning feeling. In addition, the Mayo Clinic reports complications of undercorrection, overcorrection, astigmatism and double vision.
References
- “Age-Related Macular Degeneration”; National Eye Institute; 2003
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Possible Complications And/Or Side Effects Of Laser Eye Surgery
- Mayo Clinic: LASIK Eye Surgery
- All About vision: Lasik Risks and Complications
