LASIK
Educational Material -
Laser Vision Surgery
Risks and Complications - Part One
Part One
Intra-operative
Part Two
(on a new page)
Post-operative
Part Three
(on a new page)
Overcorrection, Under-correction or Regression
Night or dim-light vision complications
Increased light sensitivity or fluctuating vision
Optical imbalance in eyes
While the overwhelming majority of patients are very pleased
with the results of their refractive surgery, it is important for you
to review potential risks and complications.
Here are three very good sources:
First: Read over the information provided on this site. We have
done our best to make it as complete as possible.
Second: Discuss this information with Dr. Seibel so that it can
be put in the context of your individual case.
Third: Review actual studies of risks related
to laser eye surgery. Many are already included on our site.
Be sure to base your decision to have laser vision correction
upon your own personal value system; avoid being influenced
by friends that have had the procedure or encouraging sales
personnel.
Potential complications can be divided into two distinct categories:
·
Intra-operative - occurring during the procedure
·
Post-operative - occurring during the healing phase
Intra-operative:
Surgical complications that occur during the procedure itself
Microkeratome-related
Potential intra-operative problems with LASIK typically involve
the flap, and these
issues are usually related to the mechanical devices and steel blades (similar
to a carpenter's plane using a razor blade), called
microkeratomes. Until recently, microkeratomes been
the
only
way to create the flap.
At Seibel Vision Surgery, our LASIK procedures do not include the use
microkeratomes, so any related risk factors involved are zero.
With the advent
of the Intralase all-laser LASIK procedure, the previously associated risks have
been virtually eliminated. LASIK now utilizes the Intralase machine
to create the flap with a special cold laser. This laser was created especially
for this purpose and is separate from the excimer
laser (that
will be used
to reshape the cornea with ablation).
Intralase technology results in a safer and more precise procedure as compared
to the older steel
bladed technology.
Some doctors have been known to offer Intralase as a more expensive option, thus
allowing the patient to opt for older technology in order to cut expenses.
However, Dr. Seibel feels
that the safety and precision of Intralase are vital and he does not offer
outdated options; he will only do what is
best for his patients.
Similarly, Dr. Seibel uses Wavefront technology
on all
LASIK approved candidates, because this
gives the best potential of visual success.
Back to top
Excimer laser ablation-related
As excimer laser technology and the surgical technique have been refined and
advanced to include Wavefront guidance systems, complications are rarely seen
today. Of the clinical studies submitted to the US FDA for approval of modern
excimer laser systems, none reported decentered ablations or central islands.
Continue to:
Risks,
Part 2
Back to top
|
LASIK Risks
