LASIK Risks
Jan 20, 2021
Jan 20, 2021
LASIK is one the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedures worldwide. More than 16 million procedures have been performed globally since 1990s. Complications that may lead to loss of vision are extremely rare. However certain side effects of this procedure like dry eyes, glare and haloes are temporary in nature and are not that uncommon. These side effects usually clear up in some weeks to months time and are not considered to be a major problem by majority of patients.
RISKS include…
- Post operative dry eyes. Some of the patients may experience dry eyes after the procedure . This is due to a temporary reduction in tear production, due to severing of corneal nerves during flap making. Dry eyes may last upto six months and is usually managed by tear film substitutes. However in our experience the thinner the flap is made the less severe is the dry eyes, due to preservation of some of the nerves which enter the cornea at a deeper level. We at BAJAJ EYE CARE CENTRE usually make thin flaps which are 90 microns thick either using a blade, the technique called SBK lasik or using a FEMTO LASER from CARL ZEISS GERMANY (VISUMAX ) which is capable of making flaps as thin as 80 to 90 microns thick ( BLADE FREE LASIK ). Another advancement which has been made in the field of laser vision correction procedures is the latest and THIRD GENERATION procedure called SMILE which is flapless and bladeless. Since no flap is made in SMILE it results in least dry eyes and the patient is able to return to his routine work like working on a computer, laptop etc with in a span of 1 to 2 days post operatively. BAJAJ EYE CARE CENTRE takes pride to have the first installation of the SMILE machine in the whole of north Delhi.
- GLARE AND HALOES Some patients experience glare at night post procedure, this usually lasts a few days to few weeks. The type of laser profile used during the procedure matters in causation of glare and haloes. We at BAJAJ EYE CARE CENTRE use an ASPHERIC WAVE FRONT OPTIMIZED PROFILE on MEL 80 excimer laser machine which is responsible of least glare and haloes problems in our patients.
- Under corrections and overcorrections though not that common but may happen. A small amount of under correction may not matter much. One may need an enhancement procedure later on within a year to achieve the desired goal.
- Overcorrections. If the laser exceeds the target and remove an extra amount of tissue, it results in overcorrection. A proper preoperative planning and workup helps preventing in overcorrections and under corrections.
- Intraoperative flap related complications. These are the complications which may happen during the procedure of flap making ( step 1 ), though with the usage of latest hi tech flap makers these are very rare. We at BAJAJ EYE CARE CENTRE use the most advanced femto laser ZEISS VISUMAX machine for BLADE FREE FLAPS and MORIA ONE USE PLUS MICROKERATOME for 90 microns flaps which have a track record of having least complications. ALL FLAP RELATED COMPLICATIONS ARE ABSENT WITH THE FLAPLESS …NO FLAP, BLADEFREE, SINGLE STEP, SINGLE LASER, THIRD GENERATION TECHNIQUE CALLED SMILE because there is no flap made here.
- REGRESSION. It means when you refractive status slowly and gradually returns to your pre operative status ie your number slowly comes back to your original number. this happens very rarely.
- Extremely rarely the surgical complications may result in poor visual recovery.
RISK FACTORS FOR LASIK
There are certain risk factors which may aggravate the risks and may lead to an unfavourable outcome
- Systemic conditions like autoimmune disorders such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, PAN etc.
- chronic dry eye disease
- Fluctuations in vision or recent changes in vision due to long term drugs, pregnancy, hormonal changes, breast feeding etc
- Patients on immunosuppressive drugs or with weak immune system like HIV etc
- Certain eye conditions like inflammatory conditions of cornea, lid margin abnormalities, viral eye diseases like herpetic eye disease, uveitis etc
Best Surgeon For You
Many patients have confusion in their minds as to how to find the right doctor. Following points are worth considering while finding the right surgeon for LASIK:
- Always compare the procedure and instrumentation used by the surgeon. The experience of the surgeons should also be taken into consideration.
- Cost should not be the only deciding factor as it is the quality of surgery that would be with you throughout the rest of your life.
- Don’t get fooled by ambiguous advertisements.
- Discuss the doctor regarding the procedures and the expected outcome. A genuine doctor will provide you with real outcomes.
- Make sure to find the best doctor as minor glitches during the surgery may lead to unfavourable outcome.