Are you considering LASIK eye surgery but worried about the risk of going blind? While complications can occur during the procedure, blindness is incredibly rare.
In this article, we’ll look into the safety of LASIK, its success rates, potential complications, and how to ensure a smooth procedure. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of LASIK and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Can You Go Blind From LASIK Eye Surgery?
While complications can occur during LASIK, going blind is extremely unlikely. Additionally, there are no documented cases of anyone going blind solely because of LASIK surgery.
Modern LASIK procedures use advanced technologies to minimize risk and enhance safety. Overall, you don’t need to worry about going blind after getting LASIK.
What are LASIK’s Success Rates?
LASIK surgery has a high success rate, and its effects can last for a long time. However, an enhancement procedure may be necessary to improve vision later on.
Ninety-nine percent of LASIK patients end up with better than 20/40 vision. Meanwhile, more than 90 percent end up with 20/20 vision or better. LASIK is so successful that more than 8 out of 10 people who get it no longer have to wear glasses or contacts.
Potential Complications of LASIK
LASIK can cause complications such as visual disturbances, undercorrection, overcorrection, regression, and severe dry eyes. However, these side effects often resolve within a few months.
Most complications, like dry or burning eyes, are considered mild and only affect 20 to 40 percent of people. The rare side effects of LASIK include:
- Flap-related issues during the healing process
- Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK)
- Microbial keratitis
- Corneal ectasia
- Vision loss
- Corneal scarring
We strongly advise contacting your surgeon immediately if you’re experiencing rare complications due to LASIK.
How to Make Sure The Procedure Goes Smoothly
If you want the procedure to go smoothly, check first to see if you meet the requirements for LASIK. For example, LASIK is only FDA-approved for people 18 and older.
This is because people’s eyes are still changing during their adolescent years. The best time to get LASIK is between 25 and 40 years old.
Additionally, you need to have maintained a stable prescription for at least 2 years. Your surgeon may also need to see if you’re healthy enough to heal from the surgery.
Conditions That Can Affect Your Eligibility for LASIK
Some eye conditions may impact your candidacy for LASIK, including:
- Presbyopia
- Cataracts
- Keratoconus
- Uncontrolled glaucoma
- Corneal disease
- Retinal and optic nerve disease
A responsible doctor may also not recommend LASIK if you have an autoimmune disease, blepharitis, severe dry eyes, thin corneas, or previous eye surgeries.
If your doctor thinks LASIK surgery isn’t right for you, they may recommend other options, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).
How To Prevent LASIK Complications
If you want to avoid complications, make sure to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions carefully. This may include:
- Avoiding sports or activities that put your eyes at risk
- Resting for the first two to three days after the procedure
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Carefully showering or bathing to keep water from getting into your eyes
- Avoiding swimming
- Avoiding dusty or smoky environments
- Wearing sunglasses
- Using antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops
- Using artificial tears to prevent dryness
- Staying hydrated
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK involves a mechanical microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser during the procedure. Your surgeon will use these tools to cut a flap in your cornea, leaving a hinge at one end.
Folding it back reveals the middle of the cornea (stroma). A laser is then used to vaporize part of the stroma and reattach the corneal flap. The procedure takes about 10 minutes for each eye.
What Does LASIK Treat?
LASIK surgery can treat three primary refractive errors:
While you can wear glasses or contact lenses to treat these eye problems, LASIK is a permanent solution. If you’re considering LASIK, talk to an eye doctor first to see if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
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