What Are the Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is generally safe and effective, but like any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks. Some of the most common risks associated with LASIK include:

• Dry eye: One of the most common side effects of LASIK is dry eye, which can cause discomfort and blurred vision.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection following LASIK surgery, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
• Undercorrection or overcorrection: LASIK surgery may not always produce the desired level of vision correction, and the patient may need additional surgery to achieve the desired result.
• Flap complications: The LASIK procedure involves creating a flap in the cornea, which can cause complications such as dislodgement or wrinkling of the flap.
• Visual disturbances: Some people may experience visual disturbances, such as halos or glare, after LASIK surgery.
• Difficulty with night vision: Some people may experience difficulty with night vision following LASIK surgery, which can make driving at night more difficult.
• Decreased contrast sensitivity: LASIK surgery may result in decreased contrast sensitivity, which can make it more difficult to see objects in low light conditions.
• Loss of best corrected visual acuity: In some cases, LASIK surgery may result in a loss of best corrected visual acuity, which is the sharpest vision that can be achieved with glasses or contact lenses.
• Loss of vision: While rare, there is a risk of permanent vision loss following LASIK surgery.
• Ectasia: Ectasia is a rare complication in which the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward, leading to distorted vision.
• Starbursts: Starbursts, or rays of light that appear around bright objects, may occur after LASIK surgery.
• Double vision: Double vision, or diplopia, may occur following LASIK surgery, especially in patients who had a significant degree of pre-existing astigmatism.
• Regression: In some cases, the effects of LASIK surgery may regress over time, requiring additional surgery to maintain the desired level of vision correction.
• Allergic reactions: There is a small risk of allergic reactions to the medications used during or after LASIK surgery.

Overall, the risks associated with LASIK are generally rare and can be minimized by choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon and carefully following post-operative care instructions. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of LASIK with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

The success rate of LASIK eye surgery is generally very high, with most patients experiencing significant improvements in their vision following the procedure. In fact, studies have shown that the majority of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, and a significant number are able to achieve 20/15 vision or even better.

• In one study, 95% of LASIK patients achieved 20/40 vision or better following the procedure, and 75% achieved 20/20 vision or better.
• Another study found that 91% of patients achieved 20/40 vision or better after LASIK, and 75% achieved 20/20 vision or better.
• A third study found that 89% of LASIK patients achieved 20/40 vision or better following the procedure, and 63% achieved 20/20 vision or better.

Overall, the success rate of LASIK is quite high, and the majority of patients experience significant improvements in their vision following the procedure. However, it is important to keep in mind that individual results may vary, and not all patients will achieve the same level of visual acuity. It is always best to discuss the potential risks and benefits of LASIK with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.