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Flap
complications
(1-2% of patients).
A variety of flap problems
may occur both during and
after treatment. If
correctly managed, most
flap problems can be put
right with little or no
loss in vision.
Dry eyes.
Many patients (-50%)
experience dryness in the
first few months after
Lasik, most of those
resolving after this time.
However, a small
percentage may require
artificial
tear supplements in the
long term.
Glare and halo effects.
Glare and halo effects
whilst night driving are
commonly observed after
Lasik. These tend to be
most prominent in the
early postoperative
period, and are more
likely to affect people
with higher corrections or
larger pupils. These
symptoms are rarely severe
and do not generally
affect satisfaction with
the procedure.
The latest WAVEFRONT
guided Laser treatment has
come a long way towards
reducing these night
vision problems, and you
should consider this
option when selecting a
clinic.
Loss of vision.
Sight without glasses is
almost always considerably
improved by Lasik. But
measurable loss of best
corrected vision (best
vision with glasses after
treatment compared with
best vision in glasses
before) happens
occasionally after Lasik
(affecting 2 – 4% of
patients). This is usually
minor in its extent, and
does not usually diminish
satisfaction with the
procedure, but it may
impact on vision if other
problems with the eye
develop later in life.
Keratectasia.
Excessive thinning of the
eye wall can cause the
shape and focusing power
of the eye to become
unstable after treatment.
This is rare, and careful
screening to detect
pre-existing corneal
abnormalities,
conservative limits on
treatment, and
pre-operative measurement
of corneal thickness all
combine to limit this
risk.
Understanding the risks
involved in refractive
surgery is very
important.
Your surgeon can advise
on any risks that may
affect you.
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