The Risks of LASIK

Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo can provide you with LASIK surgery performed by our trusted and experienced doctors. We strive to make sure your surgery goes well and continues to grow our high success rate. As with any surgery it is always a good idea to be aware of the risks that are involved. Below are just a few of the risks and complications that could happen when having LASIK surgery.

Temporary Discomfort

It is normal to experience discomfort and vision disturbances within the first few days after the surgery. You might experience mild irritation, light sensitivity, halos, glare, and starbursts. In regards to vision disturbances it is completely normal to experience these problems for up to 6 months. Just remember that these symptoms are temporary and will go away with time.

Flap Complications

The LASIK procedure involves the creation of a thin hinged flap on the front surface of the cornea. This is lifted during surgery for laser reshaping of the eye. The flap is then replaced to form a natural bandage. If the LASIK flap is not made correctly, it may fail to adhere properly to the eye’s surface or microscopic wrinkles called striae (STRIE-ee) could develop in the flap. These flap complications can cause optical aberrations and distorted vision. While this sounds awful you need to know that out of all the LASIK surgeries that have been performed there have only been 0.3 to 5.7 percent of flap complications reported. The complications were easily and successfully managed within the same surgical session.

Dry Eyes

Some individuals experience a decrease in tear production after having LASIK. Dry Eye is usually temporary and can be treated with lubricating eye drops. Your dry eye problems usually disappear once your eye is fully healed from the LASIK surgery within 6 months.

Eye Infection

It is very rare for an eye infection to occur after LASIK surgery. The Corneal flap acts as a natural barrier and reduces the risk of infection. While the risk is low you still need to use medicated eye drops as instructed by your doctor at Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo.