Archive for May, 2010

Lasik laser eye correction gives patients a whole new outlook on life without the need, or little need, for prescription glasses or contact lenses. The majority of individuals that undergo the procedure go from completely relying on glasses to see clear to obtaining almost ideal sight in just a few minutes. However, all procedures come with risks and Lasik is no different.

The use of a specialized cold beam laser to reshape the cornea of the eye providing clear vision is involved in the Lasik laser vision correction procedure. Patients should be aware of the side effects that may accompany this procedure.  

The most common side effect is that the dependency on corrective lenses is still there, even after the surgery. Lenses may sometimes be required while driving or reading or, in a few cases, permanently after the procedure. Although additional lenses may be needed, they are often of a weaker prescription than what was used prior to the surgery. While additional treatments can be done, they may not be able to totally eliminate this effect.  

Individuals that are nearsighted or farsighted have a greater risk of requiring extra corrective lens support post-procedure than individuals with general or insignificant vision issues. An understanding of realistic expectations for the procedure prior to agreeing to Lasik laser vision correction is a must for all patients.  

A person should consider all the possible negative repercussions of Lasik laser vision correction. Some patients may experience halos, glares, or even double vision after having the surgery done. This occurs frequently after daylight hours while driving at night.

One of the risks with Lasik laser vision correction is dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as KCS.   During the Lasik procedure, the laser severs some of the nerves in the eye as it repairs the shape of the cornea. Nerves generally fix themselves throughout time, nevertheless, for a few, permanent injury can happen, ending with dry eye since the nerves can’t transmit info which results in the tear ducts making tears when an eye is dry. Vision may be impaired due to the irritation and dryness of the eye but this condition can be controlled with the long term use of medicated drops.

There is always the slight but very real risk of infection as a result of Lasik eye correction surgery. Controlling this is simple with the help from ointments and occurs very seldomly. For example, a Northern California office offers pre-op appointments with a Lasik surgeon in Stockton for eye surgery in Stockton so the customer is informed week’s before scheduling the procedure.

After surgery, the most common side effect is smoky vision. Smoky vision often diminishes several hours after Lasik surgery has been performed. Minor irritation is a result as well and is often described as having a grain of sand in the eye. This is also temporary and will resolve itself in a few days.

Candidates will make an educated decision on Lasik eye correction by understanding the risks first. Additional dangers and side effects will be discussed with the eye care professional and laser surgeon during counseling prior to having Lasik performed. Assessing these risks may help determine if indeed an individual is a candidate for Lasik laser vision correction.