Complications of Lasik Eye Surgery
About 1.6 million people have LASIK eye surgery every year and it is generally thought to be safe. Complications after LASIK eye surgery are rare, but in some cases patients experience a range from uncomfortable dry eyes, to night vision halos and possible blindness due to eye infections. The normal aging process can also produce changes to vision after LASIK surgery.
History
LASIK is the acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. The surgery is performed using an Excimer laser to reshape the cornea of the eye. A microkeratome instrument is placed over the eye and a small vacuum is applied. The microkeratome holds the eye in place while the surgery is in process. The microkeratome is also the instrument that cuts through the upper layer of the cornea and creates a small flap with a hinge at one side. Using an Excimer laser ablation process, the cornea is reshaped to correct for vision abnormalities. The microkeratome is removed and the corneal flap is placed back into position.
Infections
LASIK eye surgery can be compared to other surgery procedures in that there is a possibility of infection. Some infection complications include inflammation, migration and swelling of the flap area. If an infection develops, the ophthalmologist will provide aggressive treatment with antibiotic drops to prevent a temporary or permanent loss of vision. If the infection is severe it may be necessary for the surgeon to perform a second LASIK vision correction surgery to correct the effects of healing tissue.
Dry Eye
If a LASIK patient is predisposed to dry eyes before surgery, it is possible that this dry condition may worsen after surgery. The microkeratome incision through the upper layer of the cornea cuts through nerves that supply hydration information to the tear ducts. Lack of fluid to hydrate the eyes will lead to severe dry eye syndrome. The ophthalmologist may prescribe specially formulated eye drops or implant plugs into the tear ducts. These actions increase fluid level around the eye to counteract dry eye syndrome.
Halos
After LASIK surgery, halos are sometimes observed at night and in other darkened conditions. The standard LASIK surgery procedure treats a 7 mm in diameter area on the cornea . Some LASIK patients have pupils that dilate beyond the 7 mm limit in darkened conditions. If pupils dilate beyond the LASIK treated zone it is possible incoming light will be distorted around outer area of the treatment area. The result is a halo effect or blurred vision that can be detrimental to night vision and especially dangerous to those who drive at night.
Aging
As some farsighted LASIK patients age they may notice a change from the improved vision first seen immediately after surgery. This is more predominant in patients who have different vision exam results before and after the application of dilation drops. The lens of the eye also becomes less flexible as a person ages. A less flexible lens means that a aging LASIK patient will not be able to focus on near field objects and may require reading glasses.
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