Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK, is one the most extensively used surgical method for correction of eyesight. The surgery involves the use of excimer laser to treat vision-related problems like presbyopia, farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. A large number of people have been operated by this surgery all over the globe and have reduced their dependence on prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. However, there is some post-surgery complication that the patients may suffer from.
- It may not work
LASIK may become the part of a problem instead a part of the solution. The number of cases is less, but there are cases in which the patients have suffered near and farsightedness due to LASIK. However, such conditions were have been found to be a mere after effects of LASIK and are temporary in nature. Astigmatism is also observed as one of the after effects. Such conditions may lead to eye regression causing discomfort in reading sentences where the eye has to be moved from left to right. Such discomforts disappear with time and also treatable.
- Glare may be a big Trouble
Resolving power or the ability of the eye to control glare may get hampered during the LASIK surgery. As a result, the patients may face a lot of trouble while driving at night. This could be a result of the eye focusing more on the aura around a certain bulb or any source of light.
- Corneal injuries occur Rarely
The cornea may suffer an injury during the surgery due to flapping or infection. Cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, which is basically a transparent layer composing cells and proteins in an organised group. A damage to the cornea can have devastating effects on the eye, resulting in permanent poor vision and requiring another surgery.
- Dryness may be a persistent problem
Post surgery, patients may suffer from dry eyes. A persistent dry eye may lead to keratoconus syndrome. Keratoconus may need clinical intervention. A dry eye can cause many problems. Your lens may not receive the lubrication it needs and hence lose its ability to focus. A sandy feeling in the eye can be very irritating to some patients. Severe dryness is however observed in a very small number of patients post-LASIK surgery. Eye drops are recommended for such cases and the patient usually recovers in a span of two to three months.
- Presbyopia: Loss of ability to distinguish
Patients may have to bear Presbyopia as a complication of LASIK. Eye may suffer a loss of its ability to differentiate between or tell the difference in two almost similar objects. This literally means that post-LASIK, the eye may lose its ability to focus on both distant and nearby objects. This is also one of the rare complications, but people have suffered these in reality.
Final Word
Surgeons explain that these symptoms or complications are rare. However, they are a possibility. Surgeons can ensure that the symptoms fade away with time like redness of the eye, or blurred vision at night. Another theory suggests LASIK is highly standardised refractive correction method and when performed by an expert; there are no complications. However, it is advisable to be educated about the surgery and its complication before making a decision.