What Can Be Done If LASIK Makes Eyes Worse
What Can Be Done If LASIK Makes Eyes Worse LASIK, a widely-accepted method for vision correction, carries inherent risks just like any other medical intervention. There can be complications that may lead to worsening eyesight post-procedure. This sometimes raises concerns among individuals considering or have undergone the surgery.
The occurrence of such instances is relatively rare but not unheard of. It’s essential for potential LASIK patients and those who have already had the procedure to understand these possibilities and what can be done about it. A plethora of options are available to manage and correct this issue if it does occur, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive eye care after undergoing LASIK.
Understanding LASIK Complications
LASIK surgery, although safe and effective in most cases, can sometimes lead to complications. These may range from minor side effects that resolve within a few weeks to more serious problems that could potentially worsen one’s vision. One of the most common complications is dry eyes, a condition where the eyes fail to produce enough tears for comfortable vision.
Another LASIK complication includes glare or halos around lights which can be especially noticeable at night. This typically occurs when the reshaped area of the cornea does not match its untouched outer edge; however, this usually improves over time as your eye recovers and adapts.
In rare instances, patients might experience epithelial ingrowth – a situation where cells from the outer layer of your cornea begin growing beneath the flap created during surgery. While this sounds alarming, it often resolves on its own without treatment but in some cases may require additional procedures.
Corneal ectasia is another severe but infrequent risk associated with LASIK surgeries. It involves deformation and thinning of the cornea leading to worsening eyesight; however corrective lenses or other types of surgical interventions such as inserts known as intracorneal ring segments are available should this occur.
It’s important not just to note these potential risks but also understand that they’re relatively rare occurrences given advances in technology and procedural expertise. Many people who undergo LASIK have successful outcomes with improved vision correction and minimal side effects.
Options for Improving Worsening Eyesight
In the event that eyesight does worsen post-LASIK, it’s important to note there are a multitude of options available to correct and improve the vision. Each case will be unique; therefore, one might need an entirely different treatment approach than another. Below are some potential routes a patient and their eye care professional may consider:
- Enhancement Surgery: For some patients, a secondary LASIK procedure or enhancement surgery could be beneficial in correcting worsening eyesight.
- Prescription Eyewear: Patients can also resort back to wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses if their vision becomes worse after LASIK.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves wearing specially-designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight which reshape your cornea temporarily for clearer vision during the day.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): A surgical procedure that replaces your natural lens with an artificial one – this is especially useful for presbyopia or high myopia cases where LASIK isn’t as effective.
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Another type of refractive surgery where instead of creating a corneal flap like in LASIK, the outer layer of the cornea is removed completely before reshaping it with laser.
- Corneal Implants: Small plastic inserts called Intacs placed into your eye to flatten out a misshapen cornea offering improved clarity.
Remember, any additional procedures come with their own risks and benefits so always consult with your doctor about what option would best address your specific situation and needs.
Importance of Eye Care After LASIK
Following a LASIK procedure, diligent eye care is paramount to ensure successful healing and to maintain the health of your eyes. An essential part of this process is attending all scheduled follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. These visits allow for ongoing evaluation of how well your eyes are healing and provide an opportunity for early detection and treatment if complications arise.
Post-LASIK, it’s also important that you refrain from rubbing or putting unnecessary pressure on your eyes as this could potentially dislodge the corneal flap before it fully heals. Equally crucial is adhering strictly to the prescribed regimen of eyedrops since they not only keep dryness at bay but also help prevent infections.
Protective eyewear should be donned during physical activities or while swimming to shield against potential injuries. Similarly, sunglasses are advised when venturing outdoors in daylight hours post-surgery to protect against harmful UV rays which can cause temporary discomfort and potentially delay recovery.
Sleep habits too play a role in post-LASIK care. The use of protective eyewear while sleeping can help avoid accidental rubbing or poking during sleep, especially in the initial days following surgery until complete healing occurs.
Dietary choices matter as well; ensuring adequate hydration helps combat dryness while consuming nutrient rich foods promotes overall eye health by providing essential vitamins like A and C that aid cell regeneration and support immune function respectively.
In summary, proper post-operative care after undergoing LASIK includes regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals, careful observance of personal hygiene practices around the eyes coupled with sensible lifestyle choices such as wearing appropriate protection when needed, maintaining good sleep habits plus adopting a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common LASIK complications?
Some patients may experience dry eyes, glare or halos around lights, and epithelial ingrowth. A rare but serious complication is corneal ectasia, a condition where the cornea deforms and thins.
How can worsening eyesight be improved after LASIK surgery?
There are several options available to correct vision after LASIK including enhancement surgeries, prescription eyewear like glasses or contact lenses, Ortho-K (Orthokeratology), RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and corneal implants such as Intacs.
Why is eye care important after undergoing LASIK?
Diligent post-LASIK eye care ensures successful healing and maintenance of eye health. This includes attending all follow-up appointments for ongoing evaluation of your healing process and early detection of potential complications.
What steps can I take towards maintaining my eye health post-LASIK procedure?
Regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals, careful personal hygiene practices around the eyes coupled with sensible lifestyle choices such as wearing protective eyewear when needed, good sleep habits plus adopting a balanced diet contribute significantly to maintaining overall eye health post-surgery
