Why LASIK Eye Surgery Is Bad
Why LASIK Eye Surgery Is Bad LASIK eye surgery, is not without its potential downsides. While many laud its benefits, some patients experience side effects that range from mild to severe. These include dry eyes, glare or halos around lights at night, and even vision loss in extreme cases.
The goal of this article is to shed light on these potential risks and complications associated with LASIK eye surgery. Alternatives to this method will also be discussed for those seeking other solutions for their vision problems. It’s important to remember that while LASIK has helped many people see clearly without glasses or contact lenses, it may not be the right choice for everyone.
Why LASIK Eye Surgery Is Bad Common Side Effects
LASIK eye surgery, while often a transformative procedure for many individuals, is not without potential side effects. Among the most common post-surgery experiences are discomfort in the eyes and fluctuating vision. Patients may experience a burning or itching sensation immediately after the procedure. They might report blurry or hazy vision during initial recovery days.
The aftermath of LASIK eye surgery may also include dry eyes. This is due to reduced tear production causing an uncomfortable sensation and possible vision issues. A lesser-known drawback could be difficulty seeing at night or experiencing halos around lights, hindering everyday activities such as driving in low light conditions. These side effects usually subside within days to weeks but can linger longer in some cases.
Patients may suffer from glare sensitivity leading to visual disturbances like double vision and starbursts seen around light sources. Temporary fluctuations in one’s prescription glasses strength might occur too as part of the healing process following LASIK surgery – another factor worth considering before deciding on this route for vision correction.
Potential Complications
While considering LASIK eye surgery, it is essential to be aware of the potential complications that could arise. One such risk involves corneal problems. The cornea, being a crucial part of the eye’s structure, may undergo changes post-LASIK that result in an irregular shape or thickness. This alteration can lead to astigmatism and negatively affect vision quality.
Another complication related to this procedure is epithelial ingrowth. This condition happens when cells from the outermost layer of the cornea start growing beneath the flap created during surgery. Although usually not serious and often resolves on its own, severe cases might demand further surgical intervention for correction. Patients should also keep in mind possible equipment malfunction during surgery – while rare, these instances may result in incomplete procedures or even damage to the eye.
Keratoconus, a degenerative disorder leading to thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape causing distorted vision which might occur following LASIK surgery as well. Patients with high prescriptions who opt for LASIK are at risk of having residual refractive errors post-procedure. They may still require glasses or contact lenses after recovery despite undergoing corrective surgery.
Alternative Options
LASIK eye surgery, despite its popularity and high success rates, may not be the most suitable choice for everyone. Potential patients should weigh the risks and side effects against their personal needs and health conditions. Those who decide that this procedure isn’t right for them might consider exploring other vision correction strategies.
These alternative options provide different routes to improved vision:
- Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: The most common non-surgical alternatives are prescription glasses and contact lenses. These tools correct refractive errors by altering how light enters your eyes.
- Ortho-K (Orthokeratology): This involves wearing rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight that reshape your cornea temporarily for clearer vision during the day.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): In RLE, an ophthalmologist replaces your natural lens with an artificial one to correct major refractive errors – effectively a cataract surgery performed on eyes without cataracts.
- Phakic IOLs (Intraocular Lenses): For those ineligible for LASIK due to high degrees of nearsightedness, phakic IOLs offer a solution – implanting lenses in front of the existing natural ones.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) / LASEK(Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy): These procedures remove less tissue from the cornea compared to LASIK but require longer recovery times due to surface ablation techniques used instead of creating a flap as in LASIK.
- Monovision Therapy: This approach is often useful for presbyopia sufferers where one eye is corrected for distance while the other is left slightly nearsighted allowing both far sight and close-up reading ability without corrective devices.
- Vision Therapy: Specialized exercises designed by optometrists to improve eye-brain communication can correct specific vision issues without surgical intervention.
These alternatives offer a range of choices based on individual needs, preferences, health conditions, and lifestyle considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of LASIK eye surgery?
The success rate of LASIK surgery is generally high, with around 96% of patients achieving their desired vision. It's important to note that individual results can vary based on factors such as the patient's overall health and the severity of their refractive error.
How long does recovery take after LASIK eye surgery?
While many people notice an immediate improvement in their vision after surgery, full recovery can take several weeks. Most patients are able to return to normal activities like driving or working within a few days post-procedure.
Can anyone undergo LASIK eye surgery?
No, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure. Factors such as age (usually between 18-40), stable eyesight for at least one year prior to the operation, thickness and shape of cornea, general health conditions and certain medications could affect eligibility for LASIK.
Are there any risks associated with LASIK Eye Surgery?
Like every surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved with LASIK including dry eyes, glare sensitivity or even severe complications like epithelial ingrowth or keratoconus which might require further treatment.
