Long-Term Safety of LASIK Surgery
Laser-assisted surgery, better known as LASIK, is generally accepted as a safe and easy way to repair eye problems and ditch glasses and contact lenses for good. It was approved by the FDA in 1995, but has been under scrutiny in recent years.
LASIK is refractive eye surgery used to reshape the lens to improve focus and clarity. It is mainly used to help those with:
- Myopia
- Hypermetatropia
- Astigmatism
The whole process takes place with half an hour. It begins by numbing the eye with solution. Once they stabilize the eye with a ring to minimize the risk of bursting blood vessels, a laser is used to make a tiny incision on the lens. The lens is lifted, reshaped and returned to it’s original position.
As with any surgery, LASIK does carry some risk. Though it seems simple enough, it does have some minor side effects and it carries the risk of more serious long-term effects.
- Dry eyes
- Halos
- Burred vision
- Double vision
- Glare
- Floaters
- Sensitivity to light
- Infections
- Scarring
- Flap complications
- Misalignment of the lens
- Overcompensating
- Glaucoma
While the surgery has a very high satisfaction rate among those who’ve had the procedure done, it is disappointing to some who still need to wear glasses again at some point. The long-term effects of LASIK are still unknown and need more research. Weigh your options carefully and get a second opinion before making the decision to have the surgery.