What are the Risks of Laser Eye Surgery?

by Dr. Vincent Marino, D.O.

In the past two decades, laser eye surgery techniques have seen remarkable developments. Those who have put off the procedure in the past, but are considering it now, have come to LASIK at the ideal time.

With that in mind, consumers should explore their options. Also, keep in mind that discussing your concerns about risks and complications of laser eye surgery to your LASIK eye surgeon or optometrist before your procedure. Eyes are sensitive, so it’s completely understandable for people to be apprehensive about an eye procedure involving lasers. But it’s important to remember that the technology being used in these procedures is state-of-the-art. For example, nowadays, there’s an extremely advanced laser used in LASIK surgery: a femtosecond laser. This new laser gives the surgeon more options, yielding a more customized procedure for the patient’s eye, as well as faster healing time.

In other words, a win-win for your eyes. It’s true that there can be some inconveniences for some patients immediately following a LASIK procedure. Usually, these temporary drawbacks involve dry eyes, night vision problems, and red spots on the white of the eye. But it’s also important to know that not everyone experiences these problems. And for those who do experience them, the problems go away in a relatively short period of time. Afterwards, patients report extremely high levels of satisfaction about their perfect, or near-perfect, vision. And they are thrilled to be done with the hassle and expense of glasses and contact lenses. In other words, it’s important to stay focused on the goal.

Dry Eyes

Some patients experience an acute dry eye condition lasting between one week and three months. However, this can usually be treated with topical artificial tears and dry-eye medication. Oral omega-3 fatty acids can also help alleviate the problem. In rare cases, “dry eye” can last up to a year.

Night Vision

Nighttime glare can also be a problem for some patients immediately following a LASIK procedure. Patients sometimes report glare, halos, and sensitivity to bright light for up to three months. In a small number of cases, patients experience nighttime glare for a year or longer. However, many patients do not experience any glare, halos, or bright-light sensitivity at all.

Red Spots

It’s common after a LASIK procedure for patients to have red spots on the white part of their eye for a few weeks. The red spots are simply a small bruising that results from the suction ring used to hold the eye steady during the procedure. Why are the bruises so bright and red? Because the overlying skin — the conjunctiva — is clear. Thus, the technical term for this temporary condition is “subconjunctival hemorrhages.” Although this term can sound somewhat serious, these spots are completely cosmetic, they do not hurt at all, they do not affect your vision, and the body clears them out within a few weeks.

LASIK: An Increasingly Popular Choice

Safety. Precision. Customization. Affordability. Sound like good things? They are. And they also characterize today’s LASIK Eye Surgery. As doubts about the procedure vanish, more and more professionals — including law enforcement officers, military personnel, and athletes — are discovering the advantages of LASIK. These professionals are saying goodbye to eyeglasses and contacts, and never looking back.

Our advice? Do your research and read online reviews. Laser eye surgery is a highly effective and popular method of correcting vision, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. While risks are rare, they are important to consider before undergoing the procedure. It’s crucial to do your research and consult with a qualified eye doctor / ophthalmologist to fully understand the benefits and risks of laser eye surgery and determine if it’s the right choice for you. By taking the time to weigh the risks and benefits, you can make an informed decision about your vision correction options.