LASIK, short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a revolutionary laser eye surgery procedure that has helped many patients receive improved vision, as well as improved quality of life. It is an extremely effective procedure with very little risks that can be reduced or eliminated as long as care is observed. LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles share with you four of the procedure’s risks and how you can address them in case they arise.
- Halos
It is normal for patients to see halos and glare within a few days to a few weeks following surgery. This is because fluid hasn’t yet cleared in the treated cornea, which is causing light to scatter. The fluid will clear in time, and the halos will soon disappear. However, some patients may develop permanent halos. This can be avoided by having your eye treated by an experienced surgeon who uses up-to-date and well-maintained LASIK equipment.
- Eye Infection
Infections rarely occur in LASIK treatment because the corneal flap acts as a natural bandage once it’s covered over the treated eye surface. Even if there’s very little chance that it will happen, it’s still important to use medicated eye drops to prevent infection and minimize inflammation as your eyes heal.
- Dry Eyes
Dry eyes after LASIK surgery is usually temporary and can be treated with lubricating eye drops. The problem usually goes away once the eye is fully healed. However, it has the potential to become a long-term problem if the patient is not evaluated properly or if there’s an underlying cause to the dry eye problem that hasn’t been diagnosed or treated. People who have a severe dry eye problem prior to surgery are rejected as LASIK candidates. To avoid a long-term dry eye complication, it’s important that the surgeon you choose for your LASIK surgery is a specialist with training, experience and certification.
- Ectasia
Ectasia is a characterized by an abnormally elastic cornea, which can yield less-than stellar surgery results. Ectasia can be avoided with a thorough eye mapping before surgery to understand the patient’s degree of risk.
LASIK Eye Surgery in Los Angeles
LASIK eye surgery is simple procedure that can liberate you from many of your eye-related maladies. It is important that you make a good choice with your LASIK eye surgeon. In Los Angeles, the LASIK surgery practitioners at Excel Laser Vision Institute are known to deliver exceptional LASIK surgery care to their patients.