LASIK laser eye surgery is a procedure where the shape of the cornea is permanently changed to reduce reliance on glasses or contacts. In a large percentage of cases the patient will end up with 20/20 vision even after having a very strong glasses or contacts prescription.

Note: as with any medical procedure different patients and different doctors will have different needs. Never make a decision based on the information you see here. Always consult a doctor to help make any decisions.

LASIK is short for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure to change the shape of the cornea using a excimer laser. A knife is used to cut a flap in the cornea. The flap is then folded back revealing the stroma. Then a computer controlled laser is used to vaporize a small portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. Now the cornea is a different shape and will focus light onto the correct portion of the retina allowing for clearer vision.

What are some of the risks associated with LASIK laser eye surgery?

• Some patients lose vision. Sometimes patients will lose lines of vision. This vision can not be corrected with glasses or contacts.

 

Tip! 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.

 

• Over or under correction. Some patients will not achieve 20/20 vision and will need further surgery to make corrections. Or in some cases no further surgery can be performed and the patient will continue to need glasses or contacts.

 

 

• Severe dry eyes. Some patients develop dry eyes and need eye drops to keep from having pain. For many this will go away after several months. But for some, especially those with dry eye problems before the surgery it will be permanent. In very sever cases the patient will need eye drops every few minutes to keep from being in pain.

 

 

• Visual abnormalities. Again some patients will have some visual abnormalities. Most commonly a "glare halo" or circles around lights in your vision will occur causing vision to be negatively impacted. Also occasionally double vision can occur.

 

 

• Finally it is still a new technology. The first FDA approved LASIK laser was approved in 1998, so long term effects of LASIK can not yet be known.

So knowing that what percentage of patients have complications? Many doctors who do careful screening of there patients find that they have less than 1% of patients with complications. So be sure to find a good doctor who will honestly evaluate your particular situation and evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. For more info on choosing a LASIK surgeon see our Choosing a LASIK surgeon.

Want more info about LASIK laser eye surgery? You can also find more at our what to expect before, during and after the procedure page.