What Are the Dangers of Laser Eye Surgery?

In Laser Eye Surgery (or LASIK - laser in situ keratomileusis), a laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. During the surgery, the surgeon creates a thin flap of corneal tissue with a small oscillating blade. Next, the surgeon pulls back the flap to expose the cornea and reshape it with a laser. Finally, the flap is repositioned over the cornea. Under normal circumstances, the patient's vision problem should be corrected, and his or her dependency on glasses or contact lenses greatly reduced. Although most patients are fully satisfied with the surgery, there are risks and dangers involved. According to Consultweb.com, about 5 percent of LASIK patients have complications.

Loss of Vision

In the rare case that there are complications with the making of the corneal flap, equipment malfunction, infection, scarring or medical malpractice, a patient can have a permanent loss or reduction of vision following a LASIK surgery.

Distorted vision due to Keratectasia

Keratectasia occurs when the surgeon removes too much tissue from the cornea, or cuts the corneal flap too deeply. Errors such as these results in the bulging of the cornea, which will result in distorted vision. In almost all cases, the distortion cannot be repaired through further surgery, but certain types of contact lenses may be used to keep the cornea in place.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Sometimes following LASIK surgery, patients are not able to produce sufficient tears to keep the eyeballs comfortably moist. According to Medicinenet.com, dry eyes are one of the more common side effects of LASIK and it goes away in most people shortly after the surgery. However, the condition can remain or become worse in certain patients, and they can suffer from burning or redness, a scratchy feeling in the eyes or even decreased vision. Dry eye syndrome is usually treated with the application of artificial tears, or medication that increases tear production.

Over- or Under-correction

Not everyone will emerge from LASIK surgery with 20/20 vision without glasses or contact lenses. Sometimes a patient may need additional surgery to achieve the desired correction, which puts him or her at additional risk. In some cases, even with additional treatment, the desired correction may never be attained: patient may still require glasses or contacts to have perfect vision.

Night Vision Problems

Occasionally LASIK surgery can result in problems with seeing bright objects in the dark or at night. Patients see starbursts, halos or a glare around bright objects in the dark or at night, making it difficult or impossible to drive at night or in low light situations (like fog). This condition can improve over time, but it also may be a permanent visual defect.