Lasik Eye Surgery-Hartford, New Haven

1.What are some complications of LASIK procedures?
All eye surgery has similar risks such as infection, hemorrhage, blindness, loss of eye, or loss of life. LASIK and Epi-LASIK have incredibly good safety records, but with a lower percentage of problems than other eye surgeries. There is a risk of infection, but with modern ocular antibiotics used before, during and after the procedure, this risk is very low. Almost everyone who has LASIK will suffer from some level of dry eye following the procedure, lasting varying period of time from a few days to several years. Usually mild, the dry eye can usually be contained by using artificial tears in the form of eye drops. A large, but rare complication of LASIK, but not of Epi-LASIK, is dislocation of the flap with eye trauma for many years following successful LASIK surgery. This is NOT a risk with Epi-LASIK.

2. What are the risks involved with LASIK?
Although very rare, there have been a few reported cases in which the Microkeratome (the device which creates the flap) can cut more of the cornea than it is supposed to. When this happens, it can require further surgery to repair. Other risks include infection, irregular healing of the flap, over-correction, under-correction, and delayed development of progressive corneal thinning in the years following the procedure.

3. What is the most feared risk associated with LASIK, and are there any long term risks?
Delayed development of progressive corneal thinning in the years following the procedure. This would require corneal transplantation to correct.

4. Are there limits to correction?
Yes, if the person’s prescription for nearsightedness is above about -10 diopters, above about +4 diopters for farsightedness, or if the astigmatism is greater than about 4 diopters, there are other procedures that would probably be more effective.

5.What if I move my eye during treatment?
With modern “tracking,” the laser instantly shuts down if the eye moves more than l/2 mm. I then get the patient repositioned and the laser starts up again where it left off.

6. What if I don't keep looking at the red light?
I can’t start the laser treatment unless the eye is centered on the red light.

7. What if I blink when they’re doing the laser?
There is an eyelid holder in place that prevents blinking.

8. Can I have both eyes done with LASIK at the same time?
Yes, either LASIK or Epi-LASIK can be done the same day.

9. If I have one eye done at a time, what will my vision be like in between the first and second surgeries?
The operated eye will have good vision and the non-operated eye will be blurry, unless the patient wears a contact lens in the un-operated eye.

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