Laser Vision Correction Problems

Overview

Many patients undergo laser vision correction procedures, like LASIK surgery, to eliminate their need for eye glasses or contact lenses. Laser vision correction is a highly successful surgical procedure that boasts a low complication rate, compared to other surgical procedures. However, like all invasive medical procedures, patients may experience laser vision correction problems.

Function

Laser vision correction covers a wide range of ophthalmology procedures, including the most requested refractive procedures: photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK eye surgery. PRK and LASIK utilize sophisticated laser platforms to reshape the cornea, to improve a patient's vision. During LASIK surgery, a laser eye surgeon creates a small flap in the cornea, lifts the flap and reshapes the cornea, and returns the flap to its original position. PRK, on the other hand, does not require a flap to be made, but rather, directly reshapes the surface of the cornea to improve vision. Both are performed on an outpatient basis, with patients experiencing improved vision within days of the procedure.

Complications

As technologies become more sophisticated, the safety of laser vision correction procedures increases. Throughout ten years, the Food and Drug Administration received 140 reports of unsatisfactory laser vision correction procedures out of approximately 12 million patients. The U.S. military encourages troops to receive laser vision correction to reduce their dependency on eye glasses. As of 2009, more than 224,000 laser vision correction procedures have been performed on members of the U.S. military, with only one person needing medical disability due to complications of the procedure, according to the Director of the U.S. Navy Refractive Surgery Program, Dr. David Tanzer. Risks for laser vision correction have steadily been decreasing, with most procedures boasting a complication rate of less than one percent, according to All About Vision.

Patients who have undergone PRK may experience infection if they do not properly apply their antibiotic eye drops following the surgery. They may also suffer from permanent night glare---an eye condition that creates a halo effect around lights at night. Treating night glare requires a secondary LASIK enhancement procedure.

Because the cornea has been severed during LASIK surgery, patients who receive LASIK are at a higher risk for complications than PRK patients. In addition to infection and night glare, LASIK patients may develop irregular astigmatism as a result of the misalignment of the laser platform during corneal reshaping

Others may suffer from diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), an inflammation underneath the corneal flap. DLK is a temporary inflammation that disrupts the healing process and can lead to vision loss when left untreated. If caught early enough, however, DLK responds well to antibiotics and topical steroids.

If a corneal flap is cut too deep, patients may experience keratoconus, leading to poor vision caused by corneal bulging. Keratoconus onsets gradually, making it difficult to diagnose.

Other complications of LASIK include post-operative dry eyes, less than optimal outcomes for vision correction and eye irritation.

Considerations

Laser vision correction is not a panacea for all patients' vision needs. Following laser vision correction, patients experience improved vision, but may still require reading glasses or need vision correction to legally drive.

In addition, they may need eye glasses or contact lenses as presbyopia and/or cataracts onset. Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that causes a hardening of the lens, creating difficulty focusing on close objects. Laser vision correction procedures do not protect against presbyopia, as well as cataract development.

Warning

Like all surgical procedures, not everyone is a good candidate for laser vision correction. Before undergoing the procedure, ophthalmologists thoroughly evaluate patients' conditions to determine if laser vision correction is right for them.

To undergo laser vision correction, patients must be of legal age (either 18 or 21 years old depending on the state), maintain stagnant vision for at least one year, have healthy eyes, and have no history of degenerative or autoimmune diseases.

In addition, LASIK surgeons evaluate a patient's corneal thickness, which may disqualify him from the procedure if his corneas are too thin for flap creation.

Prevention/Solution

Patients who wish to minimize their risk for laser vision correction problems should seek out a highly skilled, board-certified ophthalmologist who has years of experience performing the procedure they wish to receive. It is important for patients to review the eye surgeon's credentials and surgical record before choosing her as a surgeon.

Following the procedure, patients need to carefully follow the post-operative care instructions, which may include applying antibiotic eye drops, refraining from touching their eyes and receiving adequate amounts of rest. If patients feel they are experiencing an adverse reaction to laser vision correction, they should contact their eye surgeons immediately to treat the complication and prevent damage. All of these factors facilitate healthy recovery periods and prevent the onset of complications.