What Are The Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery? - SightMD Skip to main content

November 28, 2022

By: David Immanuel, MD, PhD

What Are The Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery?

woman wearing glasses looking at her computer screen

The vision innovation that is LASIK eye surgery has improved the eyesight of millions. If you have been considering pursuing this procedure — and are an eligible candidate — you should take the risks connected with LASIK into account. The more informed you are, the wiser your decision.

There are a few post-LASIK eye surgery risks that people should know about before going through with the procedure. As discussed previously, experiencing blurry vision after the operation is not uncommon. Additionally, patients may experience:

  1. Dry eyes, which is a reduction in the development of tears.
  2. Under corrections, where not enough tissue is removed from the eye, resulting in vision that falls short of being as clear as it should be after LASIK eye surgery.
  3. Overcorrections, where too much tissue is removed from the eye, and is a more serious risk and may be more difficult to fix.
  4. Astigmatism, which results from uneven removal of tissue from the eye.
  5. Flap problems, where complications result from the folding back or removal of the flap from the front of the eye during LASIK eye surgery.
  6. Regression is a comparatively uncommon occurrence where vision gradually reverts to how it was pre-LASIK eye surgery.
  7. Vision loss may result from complications that take place during the LASIK eye surgery procedure.

Aside from the points listed above, those who may choose to undergo LASIK eye surgery should consult with their general practitioners to find out if there are any medical conditions that might complicate the procedure. These conditions include autoimmune disorders, weakened immune systems, and if there have been recent and dramatic changes to any medication intake. And, where eye-related conditions are concerned, there may be a strong element of risk if the patient suffers from inflamed corneas or has undergone changes in vision on account of hormonal problems, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or age.

To sum it up, if you are thinking about pursuing LASIK eye surgery, you should have a strong understanding of your overall health and give serious consideration (or reconsideration) if there are any risk factors that might result in vision problems once the operation has been completed. Whatever you decide, remember that the eye care professionals at SightMD are here to help — whether it’s conducting vision tests or answering any questions you might have. Contact us today to set up your free LASIK consultation to find out if you are a candidate.