1. How Common?
First, understand that Lasik is surgery. There are risks with any surgery you undergo. Keeping that in mind, fewer than 1 percent of patients who undergo Lasik surgery have serious complications that are not repairable with further surgery. If you are a qualified candidate for Lasik and have no risk factors for failure, your chance of being in that small percentage of those who have complications from Lasik eye surgery is very low. However, whenever considering Lasik eye surgery, it is imperative to compare the risks and benefits to decide what decision is right for you.
2. Flap Problems
The most common Lasik complications result from cutting a flap into the front part of the eye during the procedure. This hinged flap is what allows Lasik to correct vision by altering the cornea. The surgeon returns the flap to its original place, forming a natural bandage over the surgery area. The doctor performing the surgery has to cut the flap at a very exact thickness. If the flap is too thin or too thick, it results in problems. Keratectasia or keratoconus occur when the surgeon cuts the flap too deep or when he removes too much tissue from the cornea during the procedure. This type of Lasik eye surgery complication is not treatable with further surgery, and hard contacts may be required permanently in order to keep the cornea in place. Another problem with the flap is wrinkling after the surgery. This wrinkling leads to an odd shaped surface, causing irregular astigmatisms and distorted vision.
3. Eye Infection
Sometimes, debris gets under the flap after the procedure. This debris causes irritation and sometimes infection. Treat any infection or irritation immediately with eye drops containing antibiotics or steroids, or permanent vision loss is possible.
4. Overcorrection, Undercorrection or Regression
When significant overcorrection or undercorrection occurs, it is usually due to faulty programming of the equipment used to guide the laser during the surgery. The outcome leads to a difficulty in seeing in certain conditions. Regression occurs when the post-surgery results are optimal, but suddenly the patient's vision gets worse due to unexpected changes in the eye. All of the above results can be corrected by additional surgery, whether Lasik or other vision-corrective surgery.
5. Dry Eye
Almost half of all Lasik patients report dry eye for the first six months after their surgery. However, after six months to a year pass, almost all patients see their symptoms of dry eye disappear. This is due to the eye healing process, which takes about a year to fully complete. Remedy uncomfortable dry eye during the first six months by taking flaxseed oil capsules and using artificial tears or a prescription eye medication for dry eyes.
