Lasik (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis), a type of eye surgery for correction of also errors of refraction is also known as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction.
LASIK provides a permanent solution for errors of refraction in most patients, getting rid of eye glasses or contact lenses. However, there are certain complications associated with the procedure too and should be known by the patients before getting LASIK procedure done.
Post LASIK complications:
Like every surgical procedure, there are certain side effects associated with LASIK too, which don’t develop in most of the patients, but there is a possibility of acquiring them as a complication. Please note that not all the complications are permanent. These complications are:
Correction errors
This can result as the error by surgeon. The procedure can result in undercorrection, overcorrection, residual astigmatism, etc. in some patients. This results in blurring of vision, imperfect vision as compared to expected vision after the LASIK procedure.
- Undercorrections: this can result if too little tissue was removed from the eye during the procedure. This can be corrected by repeating the procedure easily. Undercorrection is common for people with nearsightedness.
- Overcorrections: this can happen if too much tissue is removed from the eye. This is difficult to correct in most cases.
Astigmatism
Uneven tissue removal during the LASIK procedure results in uneven refraction of light entering the eye, resulting in astigmatism. It may require further surgical correction or else to be corrected by glasses and contact lenses.
Dry Eyes
Some patients might experience dry eyes after the surgery. This is a temporary side effect mostly, however it can develop into dry eye syndrome in few patients, specially those who suffer from underlying conditions with dry eyes.
Vision returning to previous condition
Due to conditions like abnormal wound healing, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, etc. the vision can return to the pre surgical condition slowly over time.
Visual impairment or loss
Rarely, the patient might experience more impaired vision than it was before the procedure. Very rarely, vision loss can result as a complication too.
The patient might experience glare, halos or double vision after surgery, specially at night, even if the vision is better in good light conditions.
Oversized pupils
As a result of procedure, if the pupils end up being larger than they should ideally be, it results in halos, glare, etc.
Infection
Infection can result from any surgical procedure, specially if hygienic standards are not met. This can result in redness along with discharge from the eyes. Pain can also be present in patients with post operative infection.
Delayed healing
Certain factors might contribute to delayed surgical wound healing in some patients.