What Are the Disadvantages of Laser Eye Surgery
What Are the Disadvantages of Laser Eye Surgery When considering eye surgery, many find themselves asking about potential drawbacks. The laser eye operation, often seen as a viable option for vision correction, isn’t without its set of disadvantages. Risks and side effects can occur which might convince some to opt otherwise.
The long-term complications resulting from this treatment might not be apparent at the outset. On top of that, in certain cases there may only be limited improvement in sight following the surgery. Understanding these downsides is vital before making an informed decision on undertaking such a procedure.
Potential Risks
One major keyword while discussing the disadvantages of laser eye surgery is indeed ‘risks’. Any surgical procedure presents its own set of possible complications and laser eye surgery is not exempt. Some patients might find themselves facing minor problems such as dry eyes or temporary visual issues like halos around lights at night times post-surgery. Certain side effects, including loss of vision can be much more severe, making it a necessity to delve deeper into these potential risks.
The consequence of undergoing this treatment could also sometimes lead to corneal scarring or infection both substantial drawbacks to consider. These are potential results from complications arising after the operation has been executed, which emphasizes that understanding what could go wrong in conjunction with your specific health scenario before opting for laser eye surgery is crucial.
Long-Term Side Effects
Talking about the disadvantages connected to laser eye surgery, long-term side effects hold a considerable place in that conversation. These are not limited to the immediate aftermath of the operation but could crop up or persist for extended periods, sometimes resulting in marked discomfort or inconvenience. One more notable after-effect is what professionals term as ‘starbursts’ or double vision caused due to irregularities on the cornea.
Another hurdle faced by individuals who have undergone this procedure can be dry eyes syndrome recurring lack of sufficient lubrication leading to symptoms such as irritation or even pain. The quality and clarity of vision might also decline over time post-procedure thus making some patients need glasses again later on. Chronic headaches and light sensitivity are other negative impacts one might experience owing to laser eye surgeries down the line; further emphasizing its potential labelled ‘disadvantages’.
Limited Results
The results of laser eye surgery can differ vastly among individuals. The promised clarity of vision may not always be the outcome post-procedure; and it’s one such disadvantage that some patients might find surprising. Not everyone attains 20/20 vision, despite the surgical intervention intended to correct visual deficiencies.
For a certain subsection of people, like seniors or those with significant refractive errors, they might still require prescription glasses for reading or seeing at night even after their procedure. In fact, up to 10% of patients need enhancement surgeries due to the unexpected limited results produced from initial procedures within few years. It’s pivotal that potential candidates are appraised about these eventualities associated with laser eye surgery before they opt in.
Cost Considerations
One of the oft-cited disadvantages linked to laser eye surgery is the cost factor. Being a high-tech medical procedure, it’s not much of a surprise that these surgeries often come with formidable costs which might be out-of-reach for many. It’s important to note that while this could seem as an investment towards long-term vision clarity, results are not always guaranteed.
Furthermore, additional costs may spring up due to post-surgery care or unexpected complications that arise after treatment – only adding to the financial burden. The cost versus benefit analysis then becomes central in making the decision whether or not to opt for laser eye surgery. Moreover, insurance firms usually categorize corrective surgeries like LASIK under ‘cosmetic’ or ‘optional’, meaning they’re generally exempt from coverage plans – another key aspect one must assess before proceeding with such surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the potential risks associated with laser eye surgery?
A: Laser eye surgery could lead to minor problems such as dry eyes or visual disturbances like starbursts at night. Severe complications include major vision loss, corneal scarring and infection.
Q: Are there any long-term side effects of this procedure including limited results?
A: Yes, patients struggling with ‘starbursts’, double vision and dry eyes syndrome can be attributed as longterm impacts of the surgery. In addition, not everyone achieves perfect 20/20 sight after the operation – some may still need to rely on glasses for reading or night driving.
Q: How much does a laser eye surgery cost and will it be covered by insurance?
A: The costs associated with this type surgeries can be quite high since it is state-of-the-art treatment in medicine today. Added expenses post-surgery due to care or emerging complications could also exist further adding to your expenditure. Most insurance companies classify LASIK under optional procedures so they’re not typically part of coverage plans.
This article’s material presents solely informative content; please consult trusted medical professionals before considering such surgical processes.
