Of course, this does not mean that LASIK is a risk-free procedure. Indeed, every surgery – laser eye surgery and otherwise – carries with it some degree of risk. During consultations with Dr. Chen at his office in San Diego, LASIK risks are explained to patients in detail so that they can make informed, confident decisions about their care.
Common LASIK Risks and Side Effects
It should be noted that most of the common side effects of LASIK are mild and temporary. Dr Chen carefully screens patients to ensure that only the most qualified candidates will be allowed to undergo the procedure. This meticulous screening process dramatically reduces the possibility of serious risks occurring.
Common risks of LASIK include:
- Impaired night vision – People who undergo LASIK sometimes have difficulty seeing well at night and in low-light environments, experiencing halos, glare, and starbursts. Night vision generally improves over time.
- Discomfort – The eyes can feel irritated and scratchy in the days after surgery. This is common and will subside in a few days.
- Flap complications – In LASIK, the cornea is reshaped through a flap made in its outermost layer. This flap is replaced after surgery and left to heal on its own. In some cases, however, the flap does not heal properly, leading to visual complications. Following Dr. Chens post-operative instructions to the letter will help to ensure proper healing of the corneal flap.
- Dry eye syndrome – Many patients who undergo LASIK experience dry eye syndrome during the healing phase. In most cases, the condition and its associated discomfort can be managed through eye drops and other medications. Usually, dry eye resolves after healing is complete. Those patients who have chronic dry eye before undergoing LASIK are generally precluded from having the procedure performed.
- Infection – Eye infections are extremely rare after LASIK; however, when they do occur, they can generally be treated with antibiotics.
- Undercorrection or overcorrection – With custom LASIK, undercorrection and overcorrection become unlikely. Should one or the other occur, however, it can be resolved with a revisional LASIK procedure.
Again, it is important to note that, in most cases, the above risks are temporary and easily treated. In general, LASIK complications are very rare, especially when the surgery is performed by a surgeon such as Dr. Chen.
Learn More about LASIK Risks
To learn more about LASIK risks or the many benefits of the procedure, please contact our laser eye surgery center today.