Complications of Lasik Vision Correction

Overview

Surprisingly, the theory behind Lasik surgery--reshaping the cornea to correct errors in refraction--has been around since the 1800s. Even the laser itself has been in use since the 1970s. Despite that longevity, having a laser shot into your cornea is never risk-free. If you decide to have this surgery, be aware of complications that can arise, ranging from double vision and dry eyes to vision loss.

Risk History

When Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis surgery, better known as Lasik, became a standard form of vision correction in the 1990s, there was about a 5 percent rate of complications related to the procedure. Today, the percentage of complications related to Lasik eye correction continues to decline. Thanks to improvements in technology and experience, complications now occur in less than 1 percent of patients.

Still, no surgery is risk-free. Some patients leave surgery with 20/20 vision but then develop problems, such as double vision and dry eyes, a condition that causes redness and itching.

Infection

Eye infections related to Lasik vision correction are rare, but the consequences can be severe. If your eye becomes infected following surgery, contact your doctor immediately. Untreated infections could result in scarring of the cornea or permanent vision loss.

Irregular astigmatism

For some people, irregular astigmatism naturally occurs on the cornea of the eye. But the problem also can be caused by Lasik surgery if the laser is not centered on the eye. In this case, the astigmatism can cause ghost images and double vision. Generally the condition can be remedied by a second laser treatment.

Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis

You should expect a little inflammation under the cornea flap following Lasik surgery. But when that inflammation doesn't go away as expected, it can cause problems with healing and result in vision loss. Doctors treat diffuse lamellar keratitis with topical steroids and antibiotics. If that does not work, the doctor might have to lift the cornea flap and rinse out the area.

Dry Eye

Dry eyes are fairly common in Lasik surgery patients. Symptoms include itching, irritation and redness. The symptoms generally continue for about six months, at which point they should start to go away. When symptoms of dry eye persist, doctors typically recommend eye drops as a remedy.

Corneal Ecstasia

If the doctor makes too deep an incision while creating the flap, the result can be corneal ecstasia, or a weakening of the cornea. Sometimes, months after surgery, the cornea suddenly bulges. If this happens, a corneal transplant is the only remedy.