What are the risks of a laser eye surgery?
March 3, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ammelie Niemeyer
Dear Doctor,
My name is Alwin Heck and I have been having problems with my vision for many years. I have been wearing glasses since childhood and I am now very tired of the constant limitations that my vision brings. I have therefore considered having a laser eye surgery to improve my vision. However, I am also concerned about the possible risks and complications associated with such an operation.
Currently, I rely on my glasses during the day to see clearly. This not only bothers me professionally, but also in my free time and affects my quality of life. I would like to be independent and be able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.
My concerns mainly revolve around potential complications during or after the operation, such as infections, dryness of the eyes, sensitivity to light, or even a deterioration of my vision. I want to make sure that I am well informed about all the risks associated with a laser eye surgery before deciding to undergo this procedure.
Therefore, I ask you what risks are actually involved in a laser eye surgery and what is the likelihood of complications. Are there specific factors that could increase my risk of side effects? And what measures can be taken to minimize the risk of complications?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Alwin Heck
Dear Mr. Heck,
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in a laser eye surgery to improve your vision. It is understandable that you may have concerns about potential risks and complications, and it is important to be well informed before making such an important decision.
Laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), is a relatively safe procedure for correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, like any surgical procedure, there are certain risks that you should be informed about.
Some of the potential risks of laser eye surgery include:
1. Dry eyes: After the surgery, there may be temporary dryness of the eyes as tear production may be temporarily affected. This can lead to symptoms such as burning, itching, or a foreign body sensation.
2. Sensitivity to glare: Some patients report increased sensitivity to glare, especially in bright sunlight or harsh light, after the surgery.
3. Infections: Although infections after laser eye surgery are rare, there is still a small risk. It is important to follow your doctor's postoperative instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection.
4. Worsening of vision: In rare cases, there may be a worsening of vision, although this is uncommon. This can be caused by various factors such as inadequate healing, changes in the cornea, or other complications.
There are certain factors that may increase your risk of complications after laser eye surgery. These include certain eye conditions such as glaucoma or retinal diseases, high degree of refractive error, thin cornea, as well as certain medications or pre-existing conditions. Your eye doctor will conduct a thorough examination before the surgery to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the operation and to assess your individual risk profile.
To minimize the risk of complications, it is important to follow your doctor's postoperative instructions carefully. This may include using eye drops to aid in healing, wearing protective eyewear at night, and avoiding excessive eye rubbing.
Overall, laser eye surgery is a safe and effective method for correcting vision problems that has helped many people achieve improved vision. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to consult with an experienced eye doctor who can provide comprehensive advice.
I hope this information helps you in your decision-making process, and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Ammelie Niemeyer
