As of 2010, the long-term effects (10 to 20 years) of LASIK surgery are largely unknown because of the relative newness of the procedure. In the United States, the first LASIK device received Food and Drug Administration approval in 1998. LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a procedure in which a physician uses a laser to permanently reshape the cornea. LASIK can eliminate a patient's dependence on contact lenses or glasses. In the September 2006 issue of the Journal of Ophthalmology, Dr. Christine Thomkins writes that 5 percent to 15 percent of Lasik patients require additional surgery to improve their vision and nearly 5 percent of myopic patients experienced complications following the procedure.
The LASIK Procedure
According to the FDA, during the LASIK procedure, a surgeon uses a laser to cut the cornea, creating a flap. The flap is then folded back to reveal the middle part of the cornea, called the stroma layer. The laser device emits short pulses of light, eliminating portions of the stroma. The amount of stroma removed depends on the patient's uncorrected vision. The cornea flap is then folded back into position. The newly shaped cornea focuses light better, improving vision.
Long-term LASIK Research
The LASIK procedure is still relatively new and little has been written about its long-term effectiveness. After the FDA approved the first LASIK device in 1998, other devices quickly followed in the early 2000s. To combat the dearth of quality LASIK research, in October 2009 the FDA launched a collaborative study to research LASIK's long-term effect on quality of life and frequency of adverse events, according to the Food and Drug Administration. That same year, the FDA issued warning letters to 17 LASIK centers that under-reported the number of adverse events and side effects at their facilities.
Decrease of Effects
Some LASIK patients with hyperopia, or farsightedness, might experience a decrease in the effects of LASIK surgery over time. In a January 2005 article published in the journal Ophthalmology, Dr. Philip Jaycock reported that while LASIK was moderately effective in treating farsightedness, some patients experienced regression after five years.
Dry Eyes
Some LASIK patients experience dry eyes after surgery. The condition can last up to a year after the LASIK procedure. According to the FDA, in some cases, dry eye syndrome can be permanent. The problem is caused when the eyes are unable to produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes. Dry eye syndrome can reduce vision quality and cause blurred vision.
Night Vision
Some patients have difficulty seeing at night after LASIK surgery. Their symptoms include double vision, halo vision, glare and low contrast. The symptoms are exacerbated when driving in poor weather or at night. In the January 2004 issue of Ophthalmology, Dr. Mihai Pop writes that night visual complaints increase over time based on a patient's age at the time of surgery and his level of visual correction.
References
- Food and Drug Administration: List of FDA-Approved Lasers for Lasik
- "Journal of Ophthalmology"; Over 120 years of Defending Ophthalmologists; Christine Tomkins, B.Sc., M.B.A., F.R.C.S.; September 2006
- Food and Drug Administration: LASIK--Quality of Life Project
- "Ophthalmology"; Five-year Follow-up of LASIK for Hyperopia; Philip Jaycock, M.D.; January 2005
- Food and Drug Administration: Risks
- "Ophthalmology"; Risk Factors for Night Vision Complaints after LASIK for Myopia; Mihai Pop, M.D.; January 2004
