What are the side effects of Lasik Eye Surgery?

LASIK (Laser in-situ keratomileusis) is an eye-correction surgery used to treat eye defaults like farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism. LASIK is a very common surgery performed using laser light to reshape the cornea of the eye thus helping in a brighter and sharper vision.

According to the best eye hospitals in Delhi, LASIK surgery is a very commonly performed surgery and isn’t very complicated. But since eye (especially cornea) is a very sensitive part of the body and even the smallest of incompetence can result in grave consequences, it is a must that the operation is performed by an experienced and trained team of doctors and technicians.

LASIK eye surgery in India is performed using the latest technology and methods so the patient is completely safe during the surgery. In this surgery, the doctor will use the cold ultraviolet light beam to remove tissues from the cornea in order to reshape it. This makes the light focus better on the retina and the person is able to see more clearly.

Depending on the eye-defect, the doctors use different techniques to perform the surgery. For instance, in case of nearsightedness, the surgeon flattens the cornea whereas, in case of farsightedness, the surgeon gives a steeper look to the cornea just to change the direction of light rays falling on the retina. On the other hand, to treat astigmatism, the surgeon tries to smooth the surface of the cornea.

Though LASIK is an easy and common surgery, it still has some risks and complications associated with it. These risks and complications include:

•        Dry Eyes – LASIK surgery has a common side effect of turning the eyes dry due to the decreased tear production. The patient’s eye may feel unusually dry for the first few months after the surgery. The doctors prescribe the patient a suitable eye drop that helps in retaining the fluidity of the eye.

•        Vision problems – After the surgery, until the eye completely heals, the patient may suffer from vision problems during the night. These vision problems can be glares, halos or double vision. The problems usually disappear within a few weeks but the patient must keep in close contact with the doctor regarding these issues so that an action can be taken if there is any serious problem.

•        Under-corrections or over-corrections – If the surgery is performed by an under an experienced doctor, then there is a possibility that the surgery won’t turn out perfect. Under-corrections are easier to fix than over-corrections but they both require the doctor to perform the procedure again.

•        Astigmatism – Astigmatism is the uneven formation of corneal tissue. Where LASIK is used to treat this defect, it can also cause it. It needs high precision by the doctor to perform the procedure carefully and expertly.

•        Flap problems – the surgery is performed by removing or folding the flap from the front of the patient’s eye. This can cause eyesight problems or infection in the eye.

•        Vision loss or changes – Though very rare, it is still possible. The eye is a very sensitive organ of our body. Tiniest of a mistake can cause serious harm to the part and thus it should be operated only by highly experienced doctors.

All of the above-mentioned side effects are either temporary or caused due to the carelessness of a doctor. This is why it is suggested that before jumping into the surgery a person must find a doctor who is highly experienced and is willing to clear all of the patient’s doubts.

After the surgery, it is the patient’s responsibility to follow the care plan and report to the doctor for regular check-ups.

Conclusion

Common eye defects like nearsightedness and farsightedness can be treated through surgical procedures in order to help a person attain a clearer and sharper vision. LASIK is the most common and widely performed surgery to treat the same.

Though the surgery is not very complicated and does not produce any serious side effects, it can still harm a person’s vision (glares, halos, double vision or under and over corrections) if not performed carefully. The patient must be completely aware of the procedure and the complications that may arise from the surgery before he or she makes any serious decisions.

Moreover, it is extremely important to get an experienced consultancy and get an experienced doctor to perform the surgery. Talk to the doctor and maybe the patients who have already gone through the procedure. Also, after the surgery, make sure to follow the advanced care plan given by the doctor, very carefully.