LASIK has improved vision for many people which in turn has reduced their use of glasses and contacts. At the same time it is a surgery. Like all surgeries it does present with some risks and complications. What we see of LASIK eye surgery gone wrong may make these issues seem more common or severe than they are.
Understanding which LASIK surgery risks before you undergo treatment helps patients to be better informed. Proper pre op screening, setting realistic expectations, detailed surgical planning and post op care all play a role. If you are concerned about something LASIK eye surgery gone wrong,an ophthalmologist can do an assessment of your eyes and will be able to tell you if your symptoms are temporary or if treatment is required.
What Does “LASIK Eye Surgery Gone Wrong” Actually Mean?
The term LASIK eye surgery gone wrong is used to describe a range of issues. We see poor results like persistent dry eyes, glare, halos, blurred vision as well as under and over correction of vision, infection, and problems with the LASIK flap.
Not all uncomfortable symptoms are a sign of failed LASIK. You may experience mild dryness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, or fluctuating vision in the early days of recovery. The FDA reports that vision may still fluctuate for months post-LASIK. That said, we ask that you see a doctor right away if you have severe pain or your vision worsens.
Understanding out of what is being said may prevent unnecessary panic and at the same time see to it that real LASIK complications are attended to in a timely fashion
Common LASIK Surgery Risks and Complications
Although in many cases patients do well, we see that at pre op counseling doctors go over possible issues with LASIK eye surgery risks. Some of the issues are short term but also some may require further treatment.
| LASIK complication | What a patient may notice |
| Dry eyes | Burning, irritation or fluctuating vision |
| Glare and halos | Rings or glare around lights, especially at night |
| Under/over-correction | Vision may remain blurry |
| Infection or inflammation | Pain, redness or worsening vision |
| LASIK flap problem | Sudden blur, discomfort or visual disturbance |
| Reduced contrast sensitivity | Difficulty seeing clearly in dim light |
The FDA reports that dry eye, glare, halos, double vision, under-correction and over-correction are common issues associated with LASIK surgery risks. Also some patients may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses post treatment.
These are what we call the issues which present themselves as LASIK surgery pros and cons, which patients should be made aware of before they decide to go ahead.
Can the LASIK Flap Cause Problems?
During which traditional LASIK is performed the surgeon makes a thinLASIK flap
in the cornea. The surgeon then lifts this flap, uses a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue, and puts it back.
A complication can occur if the LASIK flap shifts, develops folds, or heals incorrectly. Rubbing the eyes soon after surgery may increase the chance of flap displacement. This is why patients should carefully follow post-operative instructions.
A LASIK flap issue does not in fact lead to permanent vision loss. Which in turn means that an ophthalmologist may put back the flap or treat it according to the issue at hand and how serious it is.
Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
Normal recovery is a gradual process. In the event of a complication post LASIK eye surgery gone wrong which requires attention this will be when symptoms present severely or are getting worse.
| Warning sign | Recommended response |
| Severe or increasing eye pain | Contact your ophthalmologist promptly |
| Sudden reduction in vision | Seek urgent eye examination |
| Increasing redness or discharge | Rule out infection |
| Worsening glare or blurred vision | Arrange a follow-up examination |
| Eye injury after LASIK | Have the LASIK flap checked |
MedlinePlus advises patients to contact their eye surgeon promptly if severe pain occurs or symptoms worsen before the scheduled follow-up.
How Are LASIK Complications Treated?
Treatment is based on what is causing the issue. For dryness we may use lubricating eye drops and other dry eye treatments. When inflammation or infection present we may be prescribed medication.
Residual refractive issues may at times require glasses, contact lenses, or a touch up procedure. A displaced LASIK flap may need to be put back in place. Thus LASIK eye surgery gone wrong should always target the base cause of the problem.
Early detection is of great importance in LASIK complications which do better when their complications are identified early.
Can LASIK Risks Be Reduced?
Careful preoperative evaluation is key to reduce issues related to LASIK risks.. Before the procedure an ophthalmologist looks at corneal depth, degree of refractive stability, tear production, over all eye health and also looks at other variables.
The FDA reports that thin corneas, preexisting dry eye, unstable prescriptions, certain health conditions, and some medications may play a role in LASIK suitability.
Patients prior to choosing LASIK surgery drawbacks,should go over the pros and cons, what to expect post surgery, options out there, and also what is specific to them in terms of LASIK eye surgery risks Also it may be helpful to talk about which may apply to your case.
Conclusion
Stories of poor results LASIK eye surgery gone wrong which is why it is important to look at them in a medical perspective. While LASIK does have its benefits it also has a set of LASIK surgery drawbacks. Careful patient selection, in depth eye evaluation, proper surgical planning, and follow up care is what we do to manage LASIK surgery risks.
If you are a patient that is looking into LASIK or have had unexpected symptoms post surgery, see a doctor at ASG Eye Hospital for that in person evaluation rather than turning to the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is LASIK eye surgery completely risk-free?
No. LASIK risks done to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses is a common reason for which patients present, but it is important to note that risks do exist. Dryness, glare, halos, infection, refractive errors and flap related problems are reported.
2. What happens if LASIK eye surgery goes wrong?
Treatment of LASIK eye surgery gone wrong will vary. A patient’s ophthalmologist may put in a prescription for eye drops, glasses, more procedures, or to fix the LASIK flap.
3. Are LASIK complications permanent?
Not always. Many symptoms go away as healing takes place. As for LASIK complications some do stick around which is why follow up exams are a must.
4. When should I contact an eye doctor after LASIK?
Contact your ophthalmologist at once if you have severe pain, sudden vision loss, increased redness, discharge, or symptoms which get worse instead of better.
References Links
- U.S. FDA – What Are the Risks and How Can I Find the Right Doctor for Me? — Covers dry eye, glare, halos, under/over-correction, flap problems and other recognised LASIK risks. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
- U.S. FDA – When Is LASIK Not for Me? — Covers patient selection, thin corneas, dry eye, unstable prescriptions and other risk factors. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
