Posted by: Caster Eye Center in lasik

Caster Eye Center

LASIK has become a popular option for vision correction and continues to gain momentum. Like most procedures, even though it is known to be safe and effective, it too has misconceptions about side effects. This leads to patients turning to the internet to research LASIK side effects and wanting to know if LASIK can make their vision worse.  The majority of people who are properly screened and treated by a qualified laser eye surgeon achieve significant vision improvement with rare serious complications. Side effects do exist, but they are rare and range from mild to moderate, with some of them being permanent. Consulting with experienced professionals can help you assess your risk of complications and identify the best treatment options for you. 

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a refractive procedure that corrects the way your eye focuses light. The shape of your cornea is the main cause of most vision problems. This clear outer layer of your eye fails to properly direct light onto your retina. LASIK corrects it by reshaping your cornea using a laser, altering how it bends light. In most cases, this reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contacts. The procedure is quick, requiring approximately 15 minutes per eye. And many report improved vision within 24 hours. Understand that any reshaping done to your cornea is permanent, and it is of the utmost importance that you consult with an experienced and trusted laser eye surgeon. 

Risks

LASIK carries an overall trusted safety rating. However, complications do occur occasionally and have a significant impact on those who acquire them. Your eyes can worsen after LASIK, but this is typically due to natural aging or minor regression rather than complications from your surgery. More commonly reported complaints relate to dry eyes. For most patients, the lack of tear production following LASIK is temporary, but for others, it becomes a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. Other patients report changes in night vision in the weeks following surgery. This is also temporary most of the time, but not always. More serious complications include over- or undercorrection, which can trigger new vision problems. Rare cases result in a serious condition called ectasia. This is why rigorous screening and honest communication with your surgeon is so important. 

What to Expect

Most people have the misconception that LASIK takes a long time to complete, but the truth is, it only takes about 15 minutes per eye. You are awake during the procedure, with numbing drops to ease discomfort, but most don’t find it painful. The first few hours are typically the most uncomfortable and where patients experience the most side effects. Common side effects include watery eyes, burning, and light sensitivity. Following your procedure, you are likely to experience improved vision, though it may not be perfect or fully stable. That comes with time. 

Results

LASIK is an effective option for vision correction for many. But many aren’t everyone, and for certain patients under specific circumstances, serious complications occur. Chronic dry eye, lasting night vision disturbances, and the rare but serious risk of corneal ectasia are not theoretical concerns but real outcomes for patients who live with them. That doesn’t mean you should completely reject LASIK as a corrective option for you; it just means you should provide your surgeon with all information honestly, and rigorous screening should be conducted to assess your risk of complications. Consulting with an experienced surgeon is the best way to avoid serious complications. 

Schedule a consultation today to learn if LASIK is a good option for you.