What is a Lasik eye surgery complication?

As with any surgical procedure, there can be risks and issues involved. Some patients have documented a Lasik eye surgery complication. In this brief outline, I will discuss some of the known complications and shed some light on the nature of a Lasik eye surgery complication.

What complications can arise?

In order to understand the complications, there has to be a simple understanding of the procedure of Lasik eye surgery. Lasik eye surgery involves the cutting of a small flap in the front covering of the eye or cornea. The flap is lifted so that the eye may be reshaped by the laser and then the flap is replaced as a type of bandage.

The flap is cut using a type of bladed instrument called a “microkeratome” or else with a laser. This depends on the surgeon one visits as to what technology is used. The usage of the laser to perform this portion of the procedure allows for more precision and, therefore, fewer complications are likely to arise.

Now, if the flap is not cut correctly it may fail to form properly to the surface of the eye. The flap might also be cut too small or thin, which would cause wrinkling upon the attempt to adhere the flap to the surface of the eye. These complications can lead to an irregularly shaped eye surface and in time may lead to astigmatism or blurry vision.

Another type of Lasik eye surgery complication is known as “epithelial ingrowth”. This complication results in visual aberrations, meaning the patient starts to see glares, has problems with light sensitivity, experiences double vision, or experiences a loss of contrast sensitivity. This complication is normally either treated with an eye drop or with a simple laser retreatment to correct the problem area.

“Diffuse lamellar keratitis” is another Lasik eye surgery complication which occurs with the arrival of dead cells under the flap of the eye. The eye naturally reacts to the presence of the dead cells in the form of inflammation and scarring. Steroids and antibiotics are the traditional treatments to “DLK” and it should be noted that treatment must be sought out immediately as permanent blindness is a potential result.

Conclusion

As with any surgical procedure, there are a variety of complications. Care must be taken to select the right Lasik eye surgeon for your specific needs and also to decide of Lasik eye surgery is the right procedure for you.

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