The decision to get LASIK surgery should be taken very seriously, as there are certain risks associated with the procedure. While LASIK can provide significant improvements to vision and enable those with vision problems to live without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses, it does involve some potential risks.
The most common risks associated with LASIK include dry eyes, blurred vision, glare, halos or “starburst” of light around nighttime objects, undercorrections or overcorrections, and a decrease in contrast sensitivity.
Post- LASIK surgery, a complication of corneal ectasia may occur, which is a progressive thinning of the cornea that could lead to severe vision problems over time.
LASIK can also involve risks associated with the equipment used, such as a malfunctioning laser that could lead to injury and burning of the eyes. Furthermore, a successful outcome of the surgery cannot be guaranteed, since individual results vary, and some patients may need more than one treatment to achieve desired results.
As a result, LASIK surgery is generally considered safe and effective but it is ultimately up to each individual to weigh the risks and decide if the potential benefits outweigh them. It is important to consult with a qualified doctor to determine if LASIK surgery is the right fit for you, and ensure you have a good understanding of the procedure so you can make an informed decision.
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Why is LASIK not recommended?
LASIK is a type of corrective laser eye surgery used to improve vision by reshaping the cornea of the eye. Although LASIK is a generally safe and successful procedure, it is not recommended in certain cases.
For example, patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, uncontrolled glaucoma, collagen diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis, may not be ideal candidates for LASIK surgery. Also, for those suffering from dry eye conditions, unstable vision, or cornea problems, LASIK may not be an appropriate solution.
In addition, certain lifestyle factors, such as being in the military or working with hazardous materials, may also increase your risk of experiencing post-surgical complications. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, an assessment of your individual needs and vision goals should be completed by your eye care professional before deciding if LASIK and other laser eye surgeries are right for you.
Why you should avoid LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems. While it is an effective way to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses, there are a number of risks associated with the procedure that should be carefully considered before deciding to have the surgery.
The most serious risk of LASIK is known as vision loss. Although the procedure is generally safe and has relatively few complications, vision loss can still occur. In some cases, the vision loss can be permanent and can include vision loss from glares, halos, double vision, and decreased contrast sensitivity.
It is also important to note that vision loss is not the only potential complication. Other risks associated with LASIK include dry eyes, which can cause discomfort and difficulty in vision; infections; and increased sensitivity to light.
Patients can also experience a decrease in visual acuity, or the ability to distinguish between fine details or fine lines.
The potential risks of LASIK also depend on the individual and the age of the patient. For example, some patients may be too young to safely undergo LASIK surgery, as the procedure has not been studied in individuals under the age of 18 and is not recommended for those over the age of 40.
Additionally, the risk of complications from LASIK surgery can be greater if the patient has certain medical conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, diabetes, glaucoma, cornea problems, and certain medications.
For these reasons, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of LASIK carefully before deciding to have the procedure. Patients should talk to their doctor about their individual situation and any potential risks associated with the procedure.
If the risks are too great, alternative corrective measures, such as glasses and contact lenses, must be considered.
What is the downside of LASIK?
LASIK is a very popular and successful refractive surgery to correct vision, but there are still potential risks and complications associated with this procedure. Some of the potential side effects can include dry eyes, halos and/or starbursts around lights, overcorrection or undercorrection, difficulty night-driving, and sensitivity to light.
In some cases, vision can become worse, and the effects can be irreversible. In rare cases, serious complications can occur, such as infection, double vision, and lack of tear production. There is also a risk of corneal scarring, which can result in further vision problems down the road.
Additionally, LASIK surgery is not a permanent fix, and there is still a chance of your vision changing over time. In this case, additional surgery or corrective eyewear may be required.
Can LASIK damage your eyes?
No, LASIK generally does not damage your eyes. The surgery uses laser technology to permanently reshape the cornea, and the procedure is safe and effective when performed by an experienced eye surgeon.
However, like any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. Some of these complications include dry eyes, infection, and undercorrection or overcorrection. A comprehensive eye exam will be performed prior to the procedure to help reduce the risk of any of these complications.
Furthermore, the post-operative care instructions must be closely followed to ensure the best results and prevent any damage to your eyes. In most cases, LASIK is an effective and safe surgical procedure that can help improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.
Is LASIK surgery worth the risk?
LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) surgery is an increasingly popular procedure that can help people with refractive errors – commonly known as near- or farsightedness – to see without glasses or contact lenses.
When considering the risk vs. reward of LASIK surgery, it’s important to understand both the potential benefits as well as the potential risks of the procedure.
The potential rewards of LASIK surgery can be very significant. For many people, the primary benefit of the surgery is a drastic reduction in their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It’s a significant quality-of-life improvement that may be well worth the risk of surgery for many people.
In addition to improving your vision, you may enjoy improved safety when it comes to sports and outdoor activities, an enhanced appearance due to the lack of vision-correction devices, and reductions in the monetary costs of contact lenses and glasses.
It’s important to also discuss the risks associated with LASIK surgery. These can include dry eyes, halos/glare, and sensitivity to light. It is also important to understand that although rare, there is a risk of vision loss associated with the procedure.
You should speak with your doctor about your specific risks before deciding if the potential benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.
At the end of the day, the risk vs. reward of LASIK surgery is a highly individual decision that should only be made after speaking with a qualified doctor and discussing the potential risks and rewards of the procedure.
Only you can decide if LASIK surgery is worth the risk.
Does LASIK cause problems later in life?
No, LASIK does not normally cause problems later in life. It is a safe and effective way of correcting vision. The procedure has been performed millions of times with a high degree of success, and it is one of the most common elective surgery procedures available.
While it is possible to experience minor side effects such as dry eyes, glare or halos, these usually go away after some time. As long as post-LASIK care instructions are followed carefully and any recommended follow-up appointments are kept, there should be no long-term effects.
At the same time, it is important to understand that LASIK is not the right choice for everyone. It is important to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine whether the procedure is suitable for you.
Patients with certain pre-existing conditions such as thin corneas, significant corneal scarring, autoimmune disorders or certain eye diseases may not be good candidates for LASIK. Additionally, individuals over the age of 40 may begin to experience presbyopia, a condition that cannot be addressed with LASIK.
For those who are suitable candidates, the risks associated with LASIK are very low and a successful procedure can provide clear vision for many years to come.
What vision is too high for LASIK?
LASIK is a safe and effective procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Generally speaking, it can be used to correct vision that measures -12. 00 to +6. 00 diopters of refraction in adults.
Because of its ability to correct such a wide range of vision, it is suitable for millions of individuals.
However, there are certain conditions or prescriptions outside of the general ranges where LASIK may not be the best option. If someone’s vision is higher than +6. 00 diopters of refraction, then the procedure would not be suitable for them.
This is due to the fact that laser reshaping of the cornea is limited to a certain degree, and can’t be used to treat such severe levels of farsightedness.
In cases such as these, alternative corrective treatments like PRK, Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be recommended. These treatments are more invasive, but can still help to improve an individual’s vision.
Who should not have laser eye surgery?
Generally, laser eye surgery is a safe and effective way to reduce one’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, some people may not be good candidates for the procedure. The most important factor in decision-making is overall health and stability.
People who are pregnant, have an autoimmune disorder, an uncontrolled medical condition, or an unstable eye condition are not ideal candidates. Additionally, any condition that would make the healing process difficult may also be contraindicated.
Children under the age of 18 may not be ideal candidates as their eyes may not be fully developed and there could be long-term ophthalmic changes in vision. People with certain refractive errors may not be good candidates either.
It is always best to seek medical advice from a board-certified ophthalmologist to get the most comprehensive evaluation.
How many years LASIK will last?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that creates a custom corneal flap and reshapes the cornea of the eye to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. As with any surgery, the longevity of the results from LASIK can vary from person to person.
Generally speaking, however, research studies suggest that the majority of patients can expect their results to last for 10 years or more. Some studies even suggest that patients may experience long-term benefits for up to 20 years.
It’s important to note that a person’s vision can change over time, and it’s possible to require further vision correction even after having LASIK. This generally happens if a patient’s vision prescription worsens due to age related changes or other factors.
To maintain optimal visual results, it’s important to undergo regular follow-up visits with your eye doctor.
What age does LASIK stop working?
LASIK surgery typically stops working in patients around age 40, due to the natural aging process of the eye. This is due to the cornea decreasing in flexibility and the pupil size shrinking with age.
Additionally, the risk of regression and regression-related complications increases with age, due to the weakening of the adhesion between the corneal tissue and flap created during the surgery. Additionally, vision can become more sensitive to glare and halos around light may appear after the surgery.
Therefore, it is generally not recommended for those in their 40s and beyond to undergo LASIK surgery.
Is LASIK worth it over 40?
Yes, LASIK is often worth it over 40. As people age, they often experience vision changes, such as presbyopia, which gradually causes difficulty in focusing on nearby objects. While glasses and bifocals can help with this problem, some people opt for corrective surgery over 40 as an option to reduce their dependency on glasses and improve vision.
LASIK eye surgery has been shown to improve vision in those over 40, and has been particularly successful in improving reading vision for patients with presbyopia. The procedure itself is relatively safe, and can restore an individual’s ability to see and focus clearly, often with reduced need for glasses or contact lenses.
That said, the success of LASIK surgery varies from patient to patient, and some may experience complications associated with the procedure, such as dry eyes and halos. While the risks are generally minimal, determined by age, lifestyle, and other factors, it’s always important to carefully consider all the risks and benefits before pursuing LASIK surgery regardless of age.
It is recommended that those over 40, who are considering LASIK, check in with their healthcare provider to confirm that the procedure is right for them.
Are there any long term side effects of LASIK?
The long-term side effects of LASIK surgery are rare. However, some people may experience some dry eyes, glare, halos, starbursts, and other visual disturbances. Those who have had their corneas changed dramatically, such as with a severe nearsightedness correction, may be at a higher risk of those side effects.
The most common long-term side effects of LASIK are typically related to corneal instability and regression. In some cases, the cornea regresses after LASIK, resulting in a barely perceptible visual distortion.
This requires additional surgery to correct it.
In rare cases, some people may also experience a permanent vision fluctuation, where one eye is blurrier than usual. This is due to the eyes not being perfectly matched after the surgery.
In addition, there is a slight risk of experiencing complete loss of best-corrected vision (BCV) and corneal ectasia, though this is rare. Complete loss of BCV means that you won’t be able to achieve 20/20 vision, even with glasses or contact lenses.
Corneal ectasia is a condition that is caused by the weakening of the cornea and results in bulging and distortion of the eye.
It is important to keep in mind that these rare cases may still occur, and it is best to consult with your doctor regarding any risks prior to having LASIK surgery.
Why do I have blurry vision 2 years after LASIK?
It is common to experience a degree of fluctuation in vision within the first three months of having LASIK. This is known as post-LASIK accommodation and is normal. If your blurry vision persists two years after LASIK, however, there are a few possible explanations.
First, your blurry vision may be attributed to under-correction or regression, which is when the degree of correction decreases over time. This decrease can be caused by a small amount of corneal tissue returning to its original shape over time, due to normal healing and reshaping of the cornea.
Your surgeon may determine that an enhancement procedure, or an additional LASIK procedure, is necessary to improve your vision.
Second, the cause of your blurry vision may be astigmatism or artifacts. Astigmatism occurs when your cornea is not completely round, which distorts your vision. Artifacts are unrelated to your LASIK procedure, but can cause blurriness.
They can appear in the form of glare, halos, or starbursts and can be caused by glare from lights or by reduced contrast sensitivity.
In conclusion, if you are experiencing blurry vision two years after LASIK, you should consult with your eye care provider to determine if any treatment is necessary.
How long does it take to have 20 20 vision after LASIK?
The amount of time it takes to have 20/20 vision after LASIK can vary from person to person. Generally, it can take around 3 months for an individual to reach their best vision after LASIK. During this time, the eyes may continue to heal and stabilize over time, meaning that vision can continue to improve up to 6 months after the procedure.
It is important to have follow-up appointments with your eye surgeon within the first few weeks and months so they can monitor your progress and make sure that you are healing properly. Additionally, it is recommended to refrain from activities such as swimming and contact sports for the first month or so.
