LASIK surgery is a noninvasive procedure that is used to correct vision, sometimes eliminating a patient's need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, the LASIK procedure can result in short- and long-term difficulties.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a noninvasive procedure that alters the shape of the cornea to permit a patient with certain to see better. The procedure involves using a laser device to cut a flap in the cornea. The flap is revealed to expose the midsection of the patient's cornea (stroma). A laser is used to alter the stroma, and the flap is carefully replaced over the eye.
Who Is a Candidate for LASIK?
Patients who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia are candidates for LASIK surgery. Patients with nearsighted vision impairment can see objects up close, but objects that are in the distance will appear blurry. Those who are farsighted see distances clearly but have near vision impairments. Astigmatism results in a disruption in both near and far vision. Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects a patient's ability to focus on objects that are close by.
Difficulties Immediately Following LASIK Surgery
Patients will most likely experience burning, itching and discomfort in the eyes immediately following LASIK surgery. The eyes may be bloodshot and watery, and vision may be blurry. Light sensitivity, glare and "halos" around light sources, such as lamps and streetlights, may also occur. Lubricating eye drops and ointments are used to aid in the healing process and prevent excessive discomfort, although sometimes a pain reliever may be necessary. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that patients who have LASIK take three days off from work after the procedure.
LASIK: The First Few Months
Additional difficulties with the eyes and vision may occur as a result of LASIK four weeks to six months following the procedure. A patient may continue to experience glare, halos and double-vision, or a noted reduction in night vision. Vision can fluctuate for up to six months. Dry eyes during this period are also common, and a doctor may recommend continued use of lubricating drops or gels. Patients who experience extremely dry eyes may consider a procedure to have plugs placed in the tear ducts to keep tears from draining from the eyes' surface. Sometimes, the corneal flap will become infected or grow back abnormally.
Long-term Difficulties With
In some cases, a patient may experience loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, or additional surgery. Glare, halos and reduced night vision may persist, and some patients will develop permanently dry eyes that require therapeutic use of lubricating eye drops or gels. LASIK surgery can result in an overcorrection or undercorrection of the patient's vision, making use of corrective lenses necessary. The FDA warns that patients with serious vision impairments may not experience optimal results with LASIK surgery and recommends discussing potential outcomes with one's physician before making the decision to have the procedure done.
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