It is important to recognize the difference between side effects and complications. Side effects happen in virtually every case, are temporary and resolve themselves. A complication is an unexpected event. The most difficult complication in laser vision correction is ironically the one that takes place PRIOR to surgery. If you have a procedure that you are not a good candidate for it can result in permanent damage to your ability to see well. That is why it is critical to have a comprehensive evaluation which includes an eye examination, a measurement of your pupils in a dark and adaptive state, various mappings of the front and back of your cornea surface, a measurement (accurate to a micron) of the thickness of your cornea and a meeting of the minds of your expectations.
Flap complications typically occur in less than .1% of all LASIK cases and usually involve either an incomplete or irregular flap, a misalignment of the flap or similar complication. Traditionally doctors have used an instrument called a microkeratome for the creation of corneal flaps. The microkeratome is a hand-held blade that moves across the eye, cutting the corneal flap as it goes. These occur before the laser is used to treat the eye. In the event this should occur the laser treatment will not be performed. The eye will be allowed to heal back to its original shape and after an appropriate time most patients may then have a PRK procedure.
The IntraLase Method ™ (Bladeless LASIK) is a 100% blade-free approach to creating your corneal flap for your LASIK procedure. The IntraLase Method, by contrast, enables your doctor to create your corneal flap without a blade ever touching your eye. IntraLase flaps can be customized to fit specific eye sizes and shapes. This technique results in fewer complications.
In addition, post-operative infection can occur in any surgical procedure, including LASIK. You will be taking antibiotic eye drops as part of the postoperative process to avoid this complication. To date, we have never had an infection at Weston's Las Olas Laser Eye Center.
By contrast, side effects are a normal part of the healing process, usually temporary and treated with the medications your surgeon prescribes. They usually begin to lesson just days following your procedure.
Some possible side effects can include slight corneal swelling, eye dryness or the feeling of dryness, light sensitivity and blurring of vision. Again, side-effects are usually the result of your eye’s natural healing process and should go away within a few days. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
The FDA: LASIK and PRK Safety
The FDA has determined that LASIK and PRK surgery, when performed correctly on the appropriate candidates and under the right conditions, are proven effective and safe. The risks of LASIK and PRK are well documented, because the U.S. government requires manufacturers to prove LASIK and PRK are reliable and sound procedures
To make this determination, the FDA requires that companies conduct clinical trials demonstrating the safe and effective performance of their laser systems. During these trials, a significant number of patients have laser vision correction, and their results are studied to reveal common LASIK and PRK risks, side effects, and interactions.
