LASIK surgery is a popular refractive surgery designed to correct vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to ensure light entering the eye is properly focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
The LASIK Procedure:
Preparation: The eye is numbed with drops.
Flap Creation: A thin flap in the cornea is created using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
Reshaping: The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser.
Flap Replacement: The flap is placed back, acting as a natural bandage.
Is LASIK Surgery Harmful?
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Dry Eyes
Many patients experience dry eyes for several weeks to months post-surgery. This is usually temporary and can be managed with eye drops.
Visual Disturbances: Some people report glare, halos, or double vision, especially at night. These symptoms generally improve over time.
Under or Overcorrection: In some cases, the laser might remove too little or too much tissue, requiring additional surgery or continued use of glasses/contact lenses.
Flap Complications: The corneal flap created during surgery can cause complications if it does not adhere properly or becomes dislodged.
Regression: Over time, the eyes might gradually return to their pre-surgery state, requiring further correction.
Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection, although this is rare with LASIK.
Success Rates and Long-Term Safety
LASIK is one of the most studied elective surgeries, with a high success rate. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 96% of patients achieve their desired vision following LASIK. The vast majority of patients report satisfaction with the results.
Technical Details
Laser Precision: The excimer laser used in LASIK can remove as little as 0.25 microns of tissue at a time, offering high precision.
Flap Thickness: The typical corneal flap created in LASIK is about 100-180 microns thick.
Procedure Time: The actual laser reshaping usually takes less than a minute per eye, although the entire procedure can take about 15 minutes per eye.
LASIK Surgery: Risk vs. Benefit Analysis
Aspect | Potential Harm | Potential Benefit |
Dry Eyes | Temporary discomfort | Clear vision without glasses |
Visual Disturbances | Night glare or halos | Reduced dependency on corrective lenses |
Under/Overcorrection | Additional procedures or continued lens use | Improved quality of life |
Flap Complications | Discomfort or need for further treatment | Quick recovery with minimal downtime |
Regression | Gradual return to pre-surgery vision | Long-lasting correction in most cases |
Infection | Rare but possible | High success rate with minimal risks |
Call to Action
Ready to see the world without glasses? Schedule a consultation with our experienced LASIK surgeons today to find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Contact us now to book your appointment and start your journey towards clear vision
