Laser eye surgery is a way of seeing better without glasses or contact lenses. But can laser eye surgery go wrong at any point?
In this article, we’ll talk about laser eye surgery, what can happen, the risks, and how doctors can help.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery uses a specific laser to change the shape of your eye so you can see clearly. It’s often done to fix vision problems like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. This surgery is usually quick, and you may see better soon after.
Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
Different types of laser eye surgery can help fix vision problems. Each one works in a different way, depending on what your eyes need.
Your doctor will help you decide on the surgery is best for you. Here are some of the most common types:
LASIK Eye Surgery
This can improve vision fast, and you may experience minimal discomfort.
PRK Procedure
During PRK, the doctor removes the surface layer of the corneal tissue before reshaping it with a laser. PRK can be a good option for you if you have thinner corneas or those who are not suitable for LASIK.
The recovery time for PRK is usually a bit longer than that for LASIK.
SMILE Surgery
SMILE is a newer type of eye surgery. In this procedure, the doctor uses a laser to remove a tiny piece of tissue from the front part of the eye.
Unlike LASIK, SMILE doesn’t make a flap in the eye, so there is less chance of problems.
SMILE is good if you have trouble seeing things far away. It also helps you heal faster and have less dry eye than LASIK.
PRESBYOND Surgery
PRESBYOND helps people over 40 who can’t see things close up, like reading or looking at their phones. The doctor uses a laser to change the shape of the eye so you can see better both near and far.
This surgery can help you see better without reading glasses.
What Happens During Laser Eye Surgery?
Since laser eye surgery is a great way to see better, here’s what happens step by step:
- Preparation: Before the surgery starts, your eye doctor will give you eye drops to help you relax and numb your eyes. You might also take a small medicine to help you stay calm.
- Laying Down: You will lie down, and the doctor will ask you to look at a light to help keep your eyes in the right spot. You may feel a little pressure on your eye, but it won’t hurt.
- Making A Small Cut: For LASIK surgery, the doctor will make a tiny flap on the surface of your eye. This flap is very thin, and it’s only to help the doctor reach the part of the eye that needs fixing. For other types of surgery, like PRK, the doctor will remove the eye’s outer layer instead.
- Using The Laser: Next, the doctor uses a laser to shape the inside of the eye. The laser helps fix how light enters the eye so you can see more clearly. You may smell a small burning smell, but it’s normal.
- Putting The Eye Flap Back (For LASIK): After the laser, the doctor will gently put the flap back in place. It will stay there as your eye heals. There is no flap for other surgeries, so the doctor finishes the treatment.
- Rest: After the surgery, you’ll rest for a little while in the clinic. You may feel better soon, but your eyes may be a bit sensitive or blurry at first.
What Happens After Laser Vision Correction?
After your surgery, your eyes will begin to heal. You may feel better in just a few days, but your vision can take a few weeks to get completely better.
During this time, you may need to use eye drops and avoid certain things, like contact sports or swimming.
- Temporary Decrease In Vision: Some people might notice their vision gets blurry or worse before it gets better. This is normal and happens because your eyes are still healing. It can take a few weeks for your vision to feel clearer again.
- Returning To Normal Activities: Once your eyes have healed, you should be able to do most things you usually do. Yet, you’ll need to avoid contact sports for a little while because they could hurt your eyes. If you work in a place with a lot of dust, wearing glasses can help protect your eyes.
Can Laser Eye Surgery Go Wrong?
Like any surgery, laser eye surgery has some risks. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and problems can happen. These problems might not last long or be more serious.
Let’s look at what could happen and how doctors can help fix these problems.
Blurred Vision
After surgery, you may notice their vision is blurry. This usually goes away after a little while as the eyes heal.
But if it lasts too long, it might mean the surgery didn’t work like expected, and you might need more treatment.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common problem after laser eye surgery. This happens because the surgery can make it harder for your eyes to produce enough tears.
Doctors will likely suggest using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. This usually gets better after a few weeks.
Light Sensitivity
After surgery, you might feel sensitive to bright lights. This is called light sensitivity, and it can last for a while.
It’s not usually serious; your eyes should get used to the light again as they heal.
Double Vision
You may have double vision for a short time after surgery. This usually goes away as the eyes heal, but if it doesn’t, the doctor might need to do another treatment to fix it.
Night Vision Problems
After surgery, you may have trouble seeing at night. You might see halos or glare around lights. This can make it hard to drive at night.
Usually, this problem goes away, but it can last longer for some people.
Infection
Like any surgery, there’s a chance of infection. To help stop this, your doctor will give you specific antibiotic eye drops.
If you feel pain or notice redness or swelling in your eye, it’s important to call your doctor right away.
Corneal Infection Or Corneal Flap Issues
If the corneal flap doesn’t heal as expected, it can cause an infection or other problems. A corneal infection can be serious.
That’s why you must follow the doctor’s instructions and go to follow-up appointments.
Worsening Vision
Sometimes, the surgery doesn’t fix your vision completely. You might still need glasses or contact lenses.
This is called worsening vision, and in some cases, you may need another procedure to help improve it.
Cornea Bulging
In rare cases, the shape of the eye can change after surgery, causing the cornea to bulge. This is a more serious problem that might need another treatment.
How To Minimise Laser Eye Surgery Risks
While laser eye surgery complications can happen, problems can be managed with the right care.
Here are some ways to lower the chances of problems after laser treatments:
- Choose An Experienced Surgeon: The most important step is to find a skilled laser eye surgeon. An experienced doctor can check your eyes and choose the best treatment. They will also explain all the risks so you know what to expect.
- Get A Complete Eye Exam: Before surgery, your doctor will do a complete eye examination. This helps them check if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery. If your eyes are too dry or you have other issues, the doctor might suggest another treatment.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: After surgery, it’s very important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. This may include keeping your eyes moist and avoiding swimming or rubbing your eyes.
- Regular Check-Ups: After surgery, you’ll need to visit your doctor to make sure your eyes are healing. This is the best way to catch any problems early and get the help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I go blind from laser eye surgery procedures?
Blindness is rare after laser eye surgery. You should experience improved vision or only mild side effects. Get a full eye exam before surgery and follow your doctor’s advice carefully.
What if my vision isn’t fully corrected after surgery?
You might need a second procedure if your vision is not fully corrected. Your doctor will help you determine the best course of action.
Can I drive after laser surgery?
You may return to driving within a day or two after surgery. This depends on how soon your vision improves. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and wait until you can see clearly before driving.
Is laser refractive surgery a permanent solution?
For many people, laser eye surgery provides long-lasting results. Yet, vision can change over time due to ageing or other eye conditions. Some people may need glasses again, but the surgery may provide permanent improvement.
Can I get laser eye surgery if I have had cataract surgery?
You may be able to undergo laser eye surgery to improve your vision after cataract surgery. Yet, your eye doctor will need to check your eyes to determine if this is a good option for you.
Can I wear makeup after laser eye surgery?
It’s best to avoid makeup around your eyes after surgery to prevent infection or irritation. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when it’s safe to wear makeup again.
Can I have laser eye surgery if I have diabetes?
It’s very important to keep your blood sugar levels in control. If they are not well-controlled, they can slow down healing and make the surgery more risky.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery can be great for people who want to improve their vision. While there are risks involved, the surgery is generally okay.
Many laser eye surgery patients get great results with the right surgeon and aftercare. If you’re thinking about laser eye surgery, speak with an experienced eye doctor to see if it’s the right choice.
If you’re excited about improving your vision, Dr Ed is here in Melbourne to help!
Contact Dr Edward Roufail today at (03) 9071 0180. He can answer your questions and help you move towards clearer sight.
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic 2023. SMILE Eye Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery [Accessed December 11, 2024]
Healthdirect Australia 2022. Laser Eye Surgery. healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed December 11, 2024]
Meštrović T 2023. LASIK Complications. News-Medical. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/LASIK-Complications.aspx [Accessed December 11, 2024]
Rowden A 2024. What to Know About LASIK Recovery and Side Effects. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-know-about-lasik-recovery-and-its-effects [Accessed December 11, 2024]
Tai A 2024. LASIK Eye Surgery. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007018.htm [Accessed December 11, 2024]
