Benefits and Risks of LASIK Surgery?

Benefits of LASIK Surgery

Patients with poor natural vision who need eyeglasses or contact lenses to function in their daily lives may contemplate a number of enjoyable benefits from LASIK surgery. The procedure itself takes very little time and requires no general anesthesia or overnight hospital stay; recovery is fast, with many patients able to see just as well or better than they did with glasses or contacts mere hours after surgery.

LASIK patients no longer need glasses or contacts to drive (or pass driving tests) and can play sports and enjoy other outdoor activities that were once difficult to participate in.

In addition to the convenience of hassle-free eyesight, LASIK eye surgery patients also find career opportunities open to them that are off-limits to those with poor vision, such as working as a military or commercial airline pilot. Military service personnel are also able to extend their careers beyond normal timeframes after being approved for LASIK eye surgery.

Beyond the joy and freedom of attaining clear vision without glasses or contact lenses, LASIK patients often feel a sense of improved self-esteem and almost all LASIK patients report improved post-surgical quality of life.

Possible Complications

In general, when performed by a competent, experienced surgeon who has a clear understanding of the patient's goals and expectations, LASIK is one of the safest, most effective and predictable types of surgery one can have today. As with any surgery, however, LASIK carries certain risks that every patient should understand and discuss completely with their surgeon prior to committing to the procedure.

Among the complications that can arise during or as a result of LASIK surgery are:

• Undercorrection and Overcorrection
• Induced Astigmatism
• Dry Eyes
• Haze
• Corneal Abrasion
• Night Glare and Halos
• Loss of Best Corrected Vision
• Central Islands
• Corneal Flap Risks
• Epithelial Ingrowth
• Regression
• Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK)
• Infection or Severe Inflammation

These LASIK risks, complications and side effects are in the common range of things that may be encountered, however the list is not exhaustive and may not include everything a patient could possibly experience. For a complete understanding of the risks, complications and side effects of LASIK Eye Surgery, patients should discuss fully their individual situations with their surgeon prior to committing to surgery.