Before undergoing a vision correction procedure, you should examine the risks and benefits carefully based on your own value system and try not to let yourself influenced by friends who have had the surgery or doctors trying to convince you to have it.

Listed below are the most common laser eye surgery risks.

Vision Loss

After the procedure, a very small percentage of all patients experience a vision loss which cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts or a second surgery. This is a very rare, but very serious laser eye surgery risk.

Debilitating Visual Symptoms

A few patients experience halos, glare or double vision after surgery, which serious night vision problems. Even if they have a good vision on the vision chart, they may not see well at night, in fog or in other situations of low contrast. They may even see worse in these situations than they used to before treatment.

Under Treatment or Over Treatment

This is a very frequent laser eye surgery risk. Only a small percentage of patients obtain 20/20 vision after surgery without glasses or contacts. You may need additional treatment to enhance vision, but this is not always possible. Even if you used to wear very weak prescription glasses before treatment, you may still need glasses or contact lenses afterwards. If you used to wear reading glasses before, you might still need them after surgery.

Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

Another laser eye surgery risk is to develop serious dry eye syndrome. After surgery, your eyes might not be able to produce enough tears for keeping moist. This not only produces discomfort, by can also reduce quality vision due to permanent blurring and other problems. This eye condition may be permanent. It is usually treated with intensive eye drop therapy, but other procedures can also be used.

Less Effective Results in Patients with Different Types of Large Refractive Errors

You shouldn’t expect too much from a laser eye surgery. To have realistic expectations, you should discuss with your doctor and ask whether you will still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery or not.

Results Diminishing with Age

Another laser eye surgery risk is for results to decrease over time, especially in patients with farsighted vision. If your manifest refraction (an exam with lenses before using dilating drops) differs from your cyclopegic refraction (another exam with lenses after applying dilating drops), the chances of getting this side effect are higher.

For newer technologies, there is not enough research data available. As some of them have been developed only a few years ago, long-term effectiveness and safety cannot be determined yet. Even though they are more advanced, they might have some unknown long-term side effects.

Post Operative Infections

Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is certainly helpful to make laser eye surgery safe, but there’s always the risk of post operative infection. This risk is higher in PRK and LASEK than LASIK. In most cases, these infections can be treated with medication and usually don’t turn into long-term problems. However, more sever complications ca result into temporary vision loss or even worse. The healing process is longer for PRK and LASEK than LASIK.

Corneal Haze

This is a common side effect of laser eye surgery, but usually fades with time, although not always. It can’t be corrected with contact lenses or glasses, but only a further surgery procedure to treat scarring, such as CustomVue WaveFront.

Vision Loss

Laser surgery procedures which use a microkeratome blade to cut a flap involve the risk of cutting it off instead of leaving it hinged. If the flap is damaged, the patient may suffer vision loss. Successful procedures that use a blade can still leave small imperfections that can result in blurred vision.

Newer technology which doesn’t involve cutting a flap from the corneal tissue, such as IntraLanse makes laser eye surgery safe. These procedures are more accurate, but also more expensive. There are some techniques to correct imperfections left by a blade too.

Decreased 20/20 Vision

Many types of laser eye surgery can leave scarred tissue, resulting in a 20/20 vision lower than the one the patient used to experience before treatment. Over corrected or under corrected vision is also a common side effect of laser eye surgery. In such cases, glasses or contact lenses may still be needed or the patient may be recommended a second surgery for more effectiveness.

Other Problems

Some patients also experience glare, sensitivity to light, decreased night vision or problems with double vision after laser eye surgery. Usually these side effects fade out over time, but no one can guarantee this will surely happen. The shape of your eye can change over time and eventually require a second surgery or using glasses or contact lenses.

Realistic Expectations

However, you should not have exaggerated expectations about a laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery is not a universal treatment and may be unsuitable for certain people. There are actually three things to consider:
l Is laser eye surgery safe?
l Are your expectations reasonable?
l Is laser eye surgery safe for you?

In order to know what to expect, you have to learn more about the benefits and risks of each type of laser eye surgery and talk to a doctor.

Laser eye surgery is not a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women, people who suffer from diabetes, patients who have problems with binocular visions, thin corneas, dry eyes or large pupils may not be good candidates for this type of treatment.

People who are pregnant, have diabetes, experience problems with binocular vision, have very dry eyes, thin corneas, or very large pupils are just a few examples of those that are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. To make the right choice, talk to your ophthalmologist and discuss the pros and cons of several techniques and how would each of them respond to your needs.

Lasik eye surgery is popular because of the general ease of the procedure. Patients discuss a relative lack of pain after Lasik eye surgery and almost immediate occurrence of excellent vision. The quick and easy results, as well as the lack of pain, make this procedure very popular.

What to expect following Lasik eye surgery

Lasik eye surgery is a surgical procedure, but one can essentially come and go from the hospital before and after the procedure with little to no assistance. The procedure takes place while the patient is conscious although sometimes a mild sedative is given to the patient upon advice of the surgeon. The entire process takes, in normal circumstances, less than sixty seconds. Most people do not feel any pain at all during the procedure as drops of anaesthesia are administered directly to the eye prior to the surgical procedure.

After the procedure, the patient rests for a short period of time. Some patients elect to have both eyes worked on, so a short break is taken between procedures and then the other eye is sought to. Some patients choose to book two appointments, one for each eye, due to time constraints or other personal preferential matters.

It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions specifically, as it is with all medical procedures. Proper rest and the administering of any necessarily prescriptions is important to the completion of a successful Lasik eye surgery process. It should be noted that following the procedure, the patient should have somebody else drive them home.

Long-term

In most cases, after Lasik eye surgery the vision improves almost instantly however in some cases patients that their vision improves to an even greater degree after days and weeks pass. Most people end up with 20/20 vision after Lasik eye surgery, but some still need glasses or contact lenses to assist with proper sight requirements. Their prescription levels, of course, would be much lower than before the surgery.

There are a few complications that should be noted, however they rarely occur. Some patients experience infection or glare and normally consult their surgeon for a small adjustment procedure that is equally simple.

Make sure he continues to wear the protective covering put over his eye by the doctor. Even while sleeping, hair or bacteria could get into the eye and cause a lot of discomfort, possibly even infection. If you have pets, try to keep them away from him during these first few days to prevent any stray animal hairs from finding their way to his eye. You may also need to assist in administering the eye drops.

A stinging sensation such as sand and dirt in the eye has been reported among some Lasik corrective eye surgery patients. If your loved one complains of this stinging sensation or any other pain, give him the pain pills the doctor most likely will prescribe. Try to be understanding and if you’re up to it, take a supper tray to where he’s lounging

He will most likely be sensitive to light for the first few days so you might want to keep your home darker than normal. When he does venture outside, he will probably appreciate sunglasses for at least a few days. The initial healing process from Lasik corrective eye surgery should just take a few days and then everything will be back to normal.

Don’t allow him to drive until the doctor has given the go-ahead and be sure he makes that first post-operative appointment. Go with him if you can and convey your observations to the doctor, both positive and negative. It may take several months for his eye to completely heal and his vision is likely to fluctuate during this time of healing.

Try to remain optimistic and encourage him. Write down notes about his progress to share with the doctor. Additionally, write down any questions the two of you have to be asked at the next appointment. Of course, if he develops any unusual symptoms or severe pain, contact the doctor immediately.

You may very well feel your nerves on edge a bit during this process but it will be worth it in the end. He’ll thank you for helping him get through the first few days after Lasik corrective eye surgery.

The Retina

The retina is a small, thin layer of cells behind the eye. It is the part of the eye responsible for converting light into signals that can be interpreted by the brain and the nervous system. The retina accomplishes this goal through the use of “photoreceptor cells” which receive the light energy and pass it through the neurons of the retina and passes it to the brain and nervous system in the form of “action particles”.

At the center of the retina is the “optic disc” which is also sometimes known as the blind spot because it contains no photoreceptors. The retina has three layers of nerve cell tissue and two layers of synapses, which are specialized “ports” through which cells signal to one another involving a set of glands. Through this process, which I have only outlined, vision is produced through the passage of signals into the brain.

Reasons for Retina Detachment

For many, age is closely related to the need for retinal detachment surgery as weaker cells are present in the body and especially in failing eyes. The eyeball’s contents, in fact, shrink with age and this can rip the retina causing holes and problems which could cause retina detachment. Near-sighted people who have had cataract surgery and those with severe eye injuries are also at risk for retina detachment.

The Procedure and Aftermath

Retinal detachment surgery is generally routine and can be accomplished in a variety of ways. The process of “pneumatic retinopexy” is one such surgical option. This involves a gas bubble being injected into the eye by the surgeon which presses the retina flat against the wall of the eye. Natural healing takes over from there and the body naturally reattaches the retina over time. A laser is used to seal the holes and to hold the retina to the back of the eyeball.

“Scleral buckling” is a surgical process which involves the laser reattachment of the retina as with pneumatic retinopexy, but also includes the use of a silicone band that holds the retina in place. This adds pressure and in theory quickens the process of healing. Finally, “vitrectomy surgery” replaces the eye fluid with air, gas, or silicone oil. This temporarily replaces the natural fluids until the retina reattaches, then the body’s natural fluids are replaced by normal biological process.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma consists of a higher intraocular pressure that causes harm to the optic nerve. There are several types of corrective laser surgery used to lower this pressure and treat glaucoma:

l Trabeculoplasty – Tissue from the eye structure that determines the flow of fluid (trabecular meshwork) is ablated with the use of a laser. This procedure causes an increased outflow from the eye. It is used for patients suffering from open-angle glaucoma.
l Iridotomy – The tissue from the iris is ablated using a laser. This type of corrective laser eye surgery is used to treat closed-angle glaucoma.
l Cyclophotocoagulation – The ciliary tissue is ablated using a laser. Cyclophotocoagulation is used to treat patients who didn’t respond to other surgical procedures.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition consisting of an abnormal growth of blood vessels that causes vision loss, generally associated with the old age. If discovered early, it can be treated using corrective laser eye surgery. The disease will not be cured, but this type of treatment can prevent future vision loss. There are two types of treatments used for this eye condition:

l Laser surgery – involves using a laser to damage new blood vessels that appear in the eye.
l Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – A photoactive medicine is used together with the laser treatment to damage new blood vessels. The medicine is injected into the blood and then activated through corrective laser eye surgery, proving very effective in destroying blood vessels. However, you might need several sessions to get the desired effects.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition consisting of an abnormal growth of blood vessels, as well as damaged blood vessels. Generally, it can be prevented or at least delayed with a good diabetes treatment. However, if this disease develops, it can be treated with a certain type of corrective laser eye surgery: laser photocoagulation. This procedure works by sealing leaking blood vessels and slowing down the process of abnormal blood vessel growth.

Presbyopia

This is also an eye condition related to age in which the eye loses its flexibility and ability to focus on close objects. The type of corrective laser eye surgery used to treat this disease is called monovision. This surgical procedure corrects one eye for close vision and another from distance vision. This type of corrective laser eye surgery is not reversible, so patients are often advised to try it out with contact lenses first to see if the eyes adjust properly.

There are other eye conditions that can be treated with corrective laser eye surgery too. For more in-depth information on what these eye diseases are what procedures can be used and whether you are a good candidate, it is best to talk to a doctor.

Your doctor should be willing to answer all your questions and provide literature about the procedure and the risks and benefits. If your doctor says you may not be a candidate for Lasik eye surgery, ask him about alternative laser surgeries. You may find that another type of laser surgery would be more beneficial to you.

There is a lot of Lasik eye surgery information available on the internet. The National Eye Institute maintains a website that has a lot of information regarding different types of eye problems and the corrective procedures associated with them. You can access their website at nei.nih.gov. The American Optometric Association also has a website containing information you may find useful You can access it at aoa.org.

Take into consideration that you must be in good general overall health in order to have this type of surgery. You can’t have a disease that could slow healing such as diabetes or lupus. There are other criteria of which you may not be aware so discuss these with your doctor. You may think of other questions to ask your eye surgeon after searching for Lasik eye surgery information. As you think of them, write down your questions so you’ll be prepared for your next appointment.

You’ll need to arrange for some time off from work. In most cases, it is just a couple of days. You’ll need to make sure you have a ride to and from the procedure. Discuss with your doctor ahead of time if he’ll be giving you a Valium or something to relax you during the surgery. Of course, you’re not obligated to take any medication but for some people, it helps them to relax and not be so frightened.

Make sure whoever takes you to the appointment listens to and understands the aftercare instructions, especially if you have had a sedative as you may not remember all the instructions. Ideally, they’ll be written down and you’ll be given some post-op literature to read. Keep the Lasik eye surgery information regarding post-op procedures handy.

Whatever you do, once you’ve made the decision to have Lasik surgery, don’t let anyone scare you into not having it. The pain, if any is minor and the discomfort only lasts for a few days. If you and your doctor have decided that you would make a good candidate for this type of surgery, don’t listen to someone else who probably is scared herself. The overwhelming majority of those who have had Lasik eye surgery are happy with the result and you, most likely, will be too.

Lasik eye surgery price lists usually range from about $1500 to $2500 for one eye. How then can anyone afford to offer the same surgery at a fraction of the cost. They can’t and they don’t and you should know what to look for.

For example, the Lasik Vision Institute advertises Lasik surgery on one eye from $299. While the fine print lists an incremental rise in the price depending on the level of myopia, you must also qualify for the promotion by having good credit. The Lasik Vision Institute has previously been found guilty for operating a bait and switch tactic whereby patients were lured in by the low price but were then told they didn’t qualify for it. Lasik eye surgery price promotions like these usually come to light sooner or later.

Whenever you see prices like this, realize there’s probably more going on than meets the eye. Look out for hidden restrictions in such Lasik eye surgery price promotions. Never agree to a non-refundable deposit and ask for all the terms in writing. It’s important too, to know what kind of follow-up care is available and if it is included in the price.

Much of the time, these discount centers aren’t very discounted in the long run. In fact, after adding in all the extras that are normally covered in the price of traditional Lasik surgery by well-established ophthalmologists, costs can equal or surpass the traditional costs. Actually, Lasik eye surgery price shouldn’t be your primary concern. Choosing a well-established trusted eye surgeon who has your best interests in mind should concern you more than the cost of the procedure.

If you don’t have your own eye doctor, ask for a referral from your family physician. Talk to friends and co-workers who have had successful Lasik surgery. This is a good idea anyway to assist you in knowing what to expect. Check with your local Better Business Bureau if you do choose a doctor or center that you’re not familiar with.

Make sure you understand all the financial as well as health related options and ramifications that you’re told. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. You should only have to pay a nominal fee for an evaluation by any reputable eye surgeon. If you’re not comfortable, wait until you are before agreeing to surgery. Another good rule of thumb: When in doubt, don’t.

Infection and delayed healing

Approximately 0.1 percent of all patients suffer from corneal infection after PRK and slightly fewer after LASIK. This usually means an additional discomfort and slower healing, but no long-term effects after a period of four years.

Under correction/Overcorrection

Under correction or overcorrection is also one of the most common side effects of laser eye surgery. A surgeon cannot predict precisely how your eyes will respond to treatment. This means you might need to keep wearing corrective lenses after surgery. In some situations, you can have another surgical procedure to improve the results.

Decrease in Best-Corrected Vision

After a laser eye surgery, a few patients find that their best-corrected vision with contact lenses is worse than before. This is also one of the side effects of laser eye surgery, usually resulting from irregular tissue removal.

Excessive Corneal Haze

Corneal haze is part of the normal recovering process after a PRK procedure. It usually has no significant effect on the final vision and can be noticed only by an ophthalmologist with a microscope. However, in some cases, excessive haze can interfere with vision. The risk for having this side effect is much lower with LASIK than PRK.

Regression

This is yet another possible side effect of laser eye surgery. For some patients, the eye returns to its initial state within a few month. A new surgical procedure is usually possible in such cases.

Halo Effect

The halo effect can affect both PRK and LASIK patients and is noticed in low light. As the pupil becomes larger, a second faded image forms due to the untreated part of the cornea. This can often interfere with night driving.

Flap Damage or Loss

This side effect of laser eye surgery can only affect patients undergoing a LASIK procedure. In some cases, instead of creating a hinged flap on the center of the cornea, the entire flap tissue comes off. This can usually be replaced after the laser treatment. However, in some cases, the flap can be damaged or lost.

Distorted Flap

This side effect of laser eye surgery also affects only patients who have had a LASIK procedure. It consists of a distortion in the shape of the cornea created during the healing process, which can result in a lower best-corrected vision.

Other Side Effects of Laser Eye Surgery

Even when both the procedure and the healing process seem to go perfectly, there are some side effects that may still cause dissatisfaction. Older patients, for example, cannot have both good distance and near vision in the same eye without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Patients suffering from myopia which could still read without glasses may no longer be able to do that after surgery. If both eyes are not treated in the same time, the eyes might work awkward together in the period within the two treatments.

Retinal detachments take place because of holes or tears in the tissue. This usually occurs in short-sighted people or the elderly because the tissue of the eye becomes weaker as time progresses, thus resulting in a retinal tear and eventual detachment of the retina. The retina then literally tears away from the surface of the eye causing vision loss and eventually total blindness.

There are a few different types of retinal detachment. “Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment” occurs when the tear allows liquid to flow into the eye through the hole caused by the retinal detachment. “Secondary retinal detachment” occurs when fluid forms under the retina without the presence of a hole or break. This usually happens because of an eye injury or some sort of inflammation. There is also “tractional retinal detachment” which involves a physical pulling of the retina from the surface of the eye.

What does retinal surgery involve?

There are several types of retinal surgery. “Scleral buckle surgery” involves the sewing of silicone bands to the outer region of the eyeball. The bands then push the wall of the eye against the hole caused by the detached retina and close it, allowing the retina to reattach using natural procedures. The bands are not usually removed; however, recently it was discovered that there was a possibility that the band might cause the eye to become elongated or misshapen.

“Pneumatic retinopexy” is another type of eye surgery for detached retinas. This involves the usage of a gas or silicone bubble that is literally blown into the eye. The bubble floats to the area in which the retina is detached and pressure is applied to the hole. The pressure or surface tension combined with the material of the gas bubble cause the hole to seal and the retina to reattach itself. This procedure is normally only used when the retina detachment is located in the upper portion of the eyeball.

There are a few other types of retinal surgery as well, each with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. A medical professional should be consulted to determine which of the options is best for you.