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| The list of possible Lasik complications is long, but the
probability of actually having a Lasik complication is relatively
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Possibility Versus Probability
Looking at a long list of potential complications from refractive
surgery can be overwhelming. When put into proper perspective, the
issue may not seem so dire. There are a gazillion things that can
go wrong with any surgery, just like there are a gazillion things
that can harm you every day. For most people considering refractive
surgery, the more important issue is the probability of something
going wrong, not the possibility. Also, it is very important to
distinguish between the rate of occurrence of a problem and
the rate of an unresolved problem.
A Process, Not An Event
It is important to remember that refractive surgery is often
more a six-month process than a 20-Minute Miracle. During those
six months, treatment may include medications or even an additional
enhancement surgery. Fluctuation in vision quality is normal, minor
haze, halos, often resolve within weeks, temporary dry eye is relatively
common with Lasik and Bladeless Lasik. Nearly all problems that
can occur have a resolution available, although that process may
be undesirable.
Unresolved Complications
We have listed the most commonly reported complications of the
most common refractive surgery techniques. Although these are the
most commonly reported complications, they are not very common.
About 3% of refractive surgery patients have unresolved complications
(all procedures and all kinds of problems combined) at six months
after surgery, with about 0.5% of those being complications that
require extensive management or aggressive intervention. See Lasik
Results. There are a small percentage of refractive
surgery patients who have long-term complications. The possibility
of a long-term complication will always exist, even if the probability
is very, very small.
Unique Circumstances
A competent doctor will provide every patient with an informed
consent before surgery. This document needs to be read closely and
fully understood. It will provide a more comprehensive list of potential
problems. It is wise to discuss with the doctor the probability
of having one of these problems, based upon your own individual
circumstances.
Conventional or
Custom Wavefront Lasik and
Bladeless Lasik
Dry eyes
Over/undercorrection
Halo around light sources
Starburst from light sources
Ghosts/double vision
Light sensitivity
Wrinkles in flap (striae)
Decentered ablation
Unstable cornea
Debris/growth under flap
Epithelium erosion
PRK, Wavefront PRK
Over/undercorrection
Visual acuity fluctuation
Halo around light sources
Starbursts around light sources
Decentered ablation
Corneal Haze
Epithelium erosion
LASEK,
Wavefront LASEK ,
Epi-Lasik,
Wavefront Epi-Lasik
Same as PRK plus
Loss of epithelial flap
Intacs
Over/undercorrection
Visual acuity fluctuation
Light sensitivity
Glare sensitivity
Induced astigmatism
P-IOLs
Over/undercorrection
Endothelium cell loss
Trauma induced cataract
Induced astigmatism
Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization.
Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.
Personalized Answers
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