LASIK, or laser eye surgery, was approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1996. Since then, LASIK is one of the safest elective procedures performed, worldwide. In fact, with technological advancements, and increasing experience of surgeons, LASIK today is more safe than ever before.
Is LASIK Really safe?
Here are the facts that will help you decide this for your self:
- 96% patients achieve 20/20 or 6/6 vision after surgery.
- However, some patients may require a second surgery called an enhancement or touch up.
- Some patients may not attain hundred percent vision despite enhancement.
- Less than one in hundred patients run the risk of a serious complications after or during LASIK.
- Most of the LASIK complications are self limiting or, at least, easy to treat.
What are the common side effects of laser eye surgery?
Despite data that indicates the safety of LASIK, remember, it is still a surgery. Therefore, like any other surgery, LASIK may have certain side effects and complications. As mentioned earlier, most of these side effects are usually self-limiting and innocuous.
- Dry eye: This is the most side effect, and almost all patients experience some discomfort after surgery. Patients who already have dry eyes, or are at high risk for the same (for example, patients with autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease etc) are at greater risk for developing dry eyes.
- Fluctuation of vision: Your vision may vary through the day in the initial few weeks after surgery. While this can be scary, the vision usually stabilizes over time.
- Visual disturbances like glare, halos: The incidence of these complications has decreased following the advent of better machines. However, some patients do experience glare, especially when driving at night.
Will I need glasses after LASIK?
As discussed before, 96% patients achieve 6/6 vision following laser vision correction. However, some patients may require glasses for perfect vision. However, the required power is significantly lesser than before.
If you are above the age of 40, however, you will need reading glasses. This is NOT linked to laser vision correction, and is part of normal ageing. All of us, after the age of 40 years, need glasses for near work.
