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What is LASIK and what are the risks?

By July 9, 2014 - 8:21pm
 
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I've been thinking about getting LASIK to correct my terrible vision but I am scared it could seriously mess up my eyes. What are the risks associated with it? How long will I need to recover? Am I a candiate?

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Guide

Hello saradietz,

LASIK eye surgery (Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a type of vision correction used to treat common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

The procedure is performed by a surgeon who is trained in the ophthalmic surgery. The LASIK surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The goal is to produce clearer, sharper vision.

Immediately after surgery, your eye may itch, burn and be watery. You will probably have blurred vision. You may be instructed to wear a shield over your eye at night until your eye heals. You can expect to have a follow up appointment with your surgeon one to two days after surgery. Preoperatively, your surgeon can give you an estimated time period before you can return to work.

Undercorrection is one risk of LASIK. If too little tissue is removed, clearer vision results are reduced.

Overcorrection is a risk if too much tissue is removed. Overcorrections can be more difficult to repair than undercorrection.

Over time, your eyes may slowly return to the level of vision you had before surgery.

Rarely, you may experience loss of vision due to surgical complications.

Some patients have difficulty seeing at night. They notice glare, halos around bright lights or double vision.

LASIK causes a temporary decrease in tear production. For the first six months following surgery, your eyes may feel unusually dry as they heal.

Folding back or removing the flap from the front of your eye during surgery can cause complications, including infections, excess tears and inflammation.

During a pre-surgical eye exam, your ophthalmologist will take a detailed medical and surgical history, conduct an comprehensive eye examination and determine if you are a candidate for LASK.

Regards,
Maryann

July 11, 2014 - 4:59pm
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