LASIK stands for Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, which is a form of refractive eye surgery. While contact lenses can be used, LASIK solves the hassle completely.
In the past, metal blades were used to make the corneal flap, nowadays a laser is used- speeding up the process. In modern times, the excimer laser is used; invented by Dr. Bhaumik in May, 1973. As soon as the ultraviolet excimer laser was discovered capable of remodeling tissue while leaving no heat damage to the surrounding area, scientific discoveries in the use of the excimer laser for eye surgeries were made, meaning today's procedures are a lot less complicated than those of the past. While problems existed in the past, these have since been solved and minimal problems today are had with LASIK eye surgery.
Even though LASIK is a procedure that fixes poor eyesight by altering the cornea, it is not as difficult as other forms of surgery. LASIK is done in two parts; and as it does not hurt much it can be performed while the patient is awake (although a sedative is often used). In the first part, a corneal flap of tissue is made using a special laser, and for the second part, the cornea is altered in order to fix poor eyesight. Due to a laser being used, the cornea is "deceived"; it does not know it has been operated upon and thus many of the mishaps of old eye surgery (such as corneal haze) are removed.
The total procedure takes less than 30 minutes. The laser system includes a large machine with a microscope and an attached computer screen. The laser is used to remove corneal tissue based on measurements taken at your initial evaluation. After the procedure your vision may be hazy or blurry. This will improve considerably within the first few days. Plan on taking a few days from work until symptoms are gone. A follow up visit is scheduled within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery to test your vision and examine your eyes and regular scheduled interval check ups for at least six months.
After Lasik laser or refractive surgery your vision will stabilize within one or two weeks. But it may take a several months to continue to improve. You may experience glare and night blindness may during this time. Risks with Lasik laser eye surgery are visual aberrations especially in low light, over or under-corrected and additional surgery enhancement may be needed, regressive in the treatment this is uncommon, dry eye symptom which may require medication for tear production, in rare cases vision may worsen that cannot be corrected. You should contact your eye doctor immediately if any of these conditions occur or worsen.
Laser eye surgery risk is real however, the procedure has an extremely high success rate and most people would consider the benefits far outweigh any risks associated with it. Nevertheless, as surgery, those risks are always there and while this article is not meant to sway your decision away from having eye surgery, it is intended to highlight some of the possible complications which could occur.
Laser Eye Surgery Risk
Let's not try to portray too negative an image of laser eye surgery. Undoubtedly, you will be going in with eyes wide open and aware of the risks involved and by the time you are in the operating chair, you will have weighed up all the pros and cons and will be happy with your decision. Here are some of the associated risks which could occur:
- vision loss - visual symptoms - regular follow ups as a result of under or over treatment - dry eyes - diminishing results
Laser Eye Surgery Risks In More Detail
As we mentioned earlier, this article is not intended to sway your decision away from eye surgery. We have written many articles solely on the benefits of this procedure but for a balanced view, it's important to recognize that surgery on the eyes is not always cut and dry.
Your surgeon will no doubt point these out to you during your consultation phase and if they are doing their job properly, you will actually be assessed as to whether you are a candidate for laser surgery. So in actual fact, if there are inherent risks determined during this initial phase then you will in all probability be recommended not to have the procedure.
Vision loss is extremely rare. On occasions, some loss of vision may be experienced by some patients which cannot be corrected either with visual aids or further surgery. Serious though it is, it's considered a minimal risk.
Visual symptoms such as glare and halos are experienced by some patients and in conditions with poor contrast, visuals could be affected. Another side effect could be dry eye syndrome. It's an uncomfortable experience for the patient whose eyes may not produce enough tears. Depending on the level of the problem, in some cases it could be permanent.
Eye Surgery Risk Facts
Risk factors are low in eye surgery but they still exist. For example, did you know the chances of flap complications are less than a quarter of one percent. Flap problems include displaced, slipped or folds in the flaps.
Don't Be Discouraged By Laser Eye Surgery Risk
While the side effects can be real, compare them with the benefits before being swayed one way or the other. It's easy to sit down and read an article like this and think..."No way, I'm not going to pursue this course of action" but before you do, sit down with your doctor and discuss each of the main risks.
As reported earlier, in some cases, the decision won't be the patients to make as extensive pre-screening needs to be performed to determine if a person is eligible for laser eye surgery.
Both Charles Moore & Dean Caporella are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Charles Moore has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, LASIK Surgery and LASIK Surgery. At the International EyeCare Laser Center, our doctors practice LASIK only - we are specialists. Dr. Charles Moore is instrumental in the design and development of LASIK diagnostic and surgical equipment. For more information visit our site:. Charles Moore's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
Dean Caporella has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Golf Guide and Surveys. Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Before you have eye surgery, consider these factors. Plus, read late. Dean Caporella's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.