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Surgical Information Package for LASIK and PRK Recommended Activity Schedule Following LASIK Surgery

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Potential Risks and Side Effects

There is a risk of some complications with the Laser vision correction, no matter at which laser clinic it is performed. As with any type of surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of certain risks to consider. It is important for candidates to understand that although data from hundreds of thousands of cases has been collected, the final outcome of the procedure cannot be guaranteed.

Infection:
The largest risk is infection. Because of the chance of infection occurring, all patients are asked to take special care during the initial stages of healing. The surgeon will give patients a post surgery activity schedule to follow.

Undercorrection:
It is far more common to be undercorrected than overcorrected after PRK. Large amounts of Undercorrection require a touch up, which can be performed 90 days after the initial procedure.

Overcorrection:
Initial Overcorrection is usually planned as the cornea has a tendency to bounce back towards its original shape while healing. Near predicted results are achieved at 3 month post operatively and should the patient remain overcorrected, a thin pair of glasses or contacts can be worn, or newer laser techniques can be introduced for the patient to consider. The risk of Overcorrection is extremely low.

Night Glare:
Many nearsighted patients experience poor night vision with their glasses or contact lenses, and this symptom is not uncommon immediately following surgery. Patients typically report day and night glare or haloes for 3-4 days, and then it will start to clear. After 6 months, the majority return to pre-surgery levels of night glare.

Regression:
Regression is the shift back towards astigmatism or nearsightedness after PRK. In most cases, only a minimal shift occurs and medications can be reintroduced, or an enhancement procedure can be performed. Regression is not common for mild to moderate myopia.

Corneal Haze:
Corneal haze is dependent on the way the eye heals. The higher the correction, the more chance of a haze. Usually haze is associated with regression and may disappear with re-treatment.

Free Flap with LASIK:
Occasionally the corneal flap which is to be hinged gets completely cut. Usually this free flap is repositioned properly after the LASIK without any ill effects.

Epithelial ingrowth after LASIK:
The epithelial tissue may grow underneath the flap from the edges. Other risks associated with LASIK are irregular astigmatism or corneal perforation. These are significantly reduced with the newer microkeratomes.