RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF LASIK SURGERY in Los Angeles
Known Lasik Risks and Lasik Procedure Complications | Los Angeles Lasik Risks
It is essential to understand the risks and limitations associated with the LASIK procedures in Los Angeles. Alongside Eye Zone Medical’s extensive experience and perpetual commitment to the latest vision correction technology, the chance of serious vision-threatening complication is much less than 1%.
Undercorrection and Overcorrection of Vision
Initial overcorrection is expected, and regresses as the cornea stabilizes. If the under or overcorrection does not regress, then it can usually be rectified with an enhancement procedure. The incidence of significant under or over correction is 1–3%.
Regression Eye Sight
Regression is an individual healing characteristic, which refers to the tendency of the eye refraction to move towards the original prescription. Slight regression is expected, however the overall chance of needing an enhancement is about 1–3%.
Decrease in Best Corrected Vision
A small number of patients experience a slight decrease in sharpness following LASIK. In most cases, the sharpness returns over 6 Months. The incidence is less than 1%.
FLAP COMPLICATIONS
The incidence of serious flap complications is about 1 in 1000. This risk goes down to 0% with Advanced Surface Treatment where no flap is created!
GLARE
Glare after LASIK can be annoying, not usually visually significant. Patients may notice glare around the lights and rays coming off of lights at night. Most patients say that the glare is no worse than what they experienced with contact lenses or glasses. The glare diminishes over time, usually within three to six months.
DRY EYES
Dry eyes are very common after LASIK. It usually lasts for two to three months after the procedure, and resolves without further problem. It is more common in older females. The dryness is usually easily treated with lubricating eye drops.
CORNEAL ECSTASIA
If too much corneal tissue is removed with LASIK, the corneal integrity can be compromised. The result is sometimes referred to as a “weakened” cornea that may “bulge” months to years after LASIK is performed. This structural weakening of the cornea is called “ectasia”, and can cause significant regression. Unfortunately, re-treatment is not possible and would even make the regression worse. In the rare case of extreme ectasia, a corneal transplant would be necessary to regain useful vision. For a comprehensive analysis your LASIK risks and safety visit our board certified Los Angeles laser eye surgeon.