LASIK Risks and Complications

There is no such thing as a risk-free surgical procedure. Inconsistencies in the way the body heals and other factors make it impossible to completely eliminate the potential for post-surgical complications, even for a skilled surgeon like Dr. Jon Dishler. However, our staff at the Dishler Laser Institute, serving Denver, Englewood, and Aurora, Colorado, works tirelessly to ensure that LASIK risks are minimized for our patients. Most people who choose our practice never experience serious complications, and vision-threatening complications occur in well less than 1 percent of all our patients.

Under- or Overcorrection

Because it is impossible to predict perfectly the eye's healing patterns due to surgical variables and health factors, the eyes may occasionally prove to be either undercorrected or overcorrected once healing is complete. In most cases these LASIK risks do not significantly affect the vision, and in some cases they can be corrected with a free revision procedure.

Infection

During the first few days of healing after LASIK, patients face the greatest risk of contracting an eye infection. Eye infections are most frequent among patients who do not follow directions on the use of their antibiotic eye drops after surgery, but are still among the least common LASIK risks faced by our patients from Aurora, Englewood, Denver, Colorado, and elsewhere.

Halos, Glare, and Starbursts

This side effect manifests in different ways for different patients, though many already experienced it with their glasses or contacts at night. Typically, halos or glow are seen around lighted objects in dark places. These LASIK risks are caused by light that leaks in around the edges of the reshaped portion of cornea. They typically arise when the pupils dilate to a diameter wider than that of the treated portion of the eye. Recent advances in laser technology allowing a wider treatment area have rendered this complication very rare.

Corneal Flap Defects

The LASIK procedure involves creating a flap in the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, in order to reshape the portion beneath it. This flap normally heals on its own after being closed. In rare cases, however, the flap may heal in a position that causes a wrinkle or other surface defect. This is most common in cases when the eye has been rubbed or bumped in the early stages of healing, or when unusually dry eyes cause the flap to become irritated. Though this condition can cause a significant change in vision, it is almost always easy to correct if treated promptly with no permanent impact on the vision.

Loss of Best-Corrected Visual Acuity

Best-corrected visual acuity is the sharpest vision a person can achieve with corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). After LASIK, a patient's best-corrected visual acuity is compared to their pre-LASIK test results. For most patients, this number is not significantly altered. A few patients, however, show either slightly better or slightly worse best-corrected visual acuity after LASIK. Like other serious LASIK risks, a severe loss of best-corrected visual acuity is extremely rare.

Corneal Haze

A corneal haze is part of the cornea's healing process after LASIK or another form of laser vision correction. Many patients develop a mild haze that does not noticeably impact their vision, and it almost always fades naturally as the eye heals. In cases of more a more serious haze that does not heal or significantly impacts a person's vision, the condition can typically be corrected through treatment.

Regression

As the eye heals after LASIK, it is normal for it to begin to return to its original pre-surgical shape. In most patients this adjustment is tiny, and Dr. Dishler anticipates it during the procedure. In some patients, however, the eye regresses more than usual. These patients may require an enhancement procedure or corrective lenses.

Severe Dry Eye

Some mild dry eye during the LASIK recovery period is common, and Dr. Dishler prescribes moisturizing eye drops to keep the eyes comfortable. In many cases severe dry eye may be the result of complicating factors, such as birth control or menopause, not reported to the surgeon during treatment. However, severe dry eye is uncommon among patients who have been identified as good LASIK candidates during screening at our practice serving Denver, Englewood, and Aurora, Colorado, as is the case with other LASIK risks.

Learn More About LASIK Risks - Contact Us - Denver, Englewood, Aurora, Colorado

Though LASIK, like any medical procedure, involves some risks, our team serving Denver, Englewood, Aurora, and all of Colorado works to minimize LASIK risks, ensuring a safe, effective procedure for all our patients. As our sterling safety record shows, the vast majority of patients experience no serious complications and enjoy significantly improved vision. Contact the Dishler Laser Institute to learn more about LASIK risks or to schedule a consultation.