Laser eye surgery is a popular way for people to fix their vision. Many people want to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses. But can you go blind from laser eye surgery?
This article will explain if laser eye surgery can cause blindness and what you can expect from the procedure. We will also answer some of the most common questions about the surgery.
Can You Go Blind From Laser Eye Surgery?
The short answer is No. Typically, laser eye surgery doesn’t cause blindness. In theory, it may be one of the safest elective surgical procedures.
The chance of something going wrong and causing blindness is very, very low. The technology used is advanced, and the surgery is done by trained doctors who take all the necessary steps for your well-being. There are some risks, but blindness is not one of them.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Safe?
Some things could go wrong after laser eye surgery. Yet, these irreversible, serious complications are uncommon. Here are a few possible issues:
Dry Eyes
You might feel like your eyes are dry after surgery. This is because the laser can affect how your eyes make tears, leading to dryness or irritation.
Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects. The good news is that they can usually be treated with lubricating eye drops, and you’ll see improvement within a few weeks as your eyes heal.
Blurry Vision
It is normal to experience some blurry vision for a short time after the surgery. This can happen because your eyes need time to adjust and heal. The laser surgery reshapes the cornea, and it can take a little while for your vision to become clear.
Blurry vision after surgery is temporary, and your eyesight should improve as your eyes recover. You should notice significant improvements within a few days to a week.
Infections
As with any surgery, there is a small chance of getting an infection after laser eye surgery. Infections can happen if bacteria get into the eye during the healing process. But, the risk of infection is very low, especially when you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
What Are The Different Types Of Laser Refractive Surgery?
There are several types of laser refractive surgeries, and each one is designed to help people see better by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. Let’s look at some of the most common types of laser eye surgery.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK is the most common procedure. In it, the doctor uses a laser to reshape the cornea. This helps light focus better on the retina at the back of the eye, which improves vision. It’s a great option for people with short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is very similar to LASIK. The main difference is that in PRK, the doctor doesn’t make a flap in the cornea like in LASIK. This can be a good option for people who have thin corneas or who might be at risk of problems with the flap in LASIK.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE differs slightly from LASIK because it uses a slightly different method to reshape the cornea. In SMILE, the doctor uses a laser to remove a small piece of tissue inside the cornea to correct vision.
PRESBYOND
PRESBYOND is specifically designed for people who have trouble seeing up close as they get older. It handles a common problem called presbyopia, which affects many people after the age of 40.
Who Is A Good Fit For Laser Vision Correction?
Laser eye surgery is not for everyone. Before you decide to proceed, it’s important to make sure that you are the right person for the procedure.
Several things can make you a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Let’s go over them to help you understand what the doctor will be looking for.
Age
Most people between 18 and 40 are good candidates for laser eye surgery. Older adults, especially those who need reading glasses, may need different types of surgery to help with near vision. Your doctor will discuss all the options to help you make the best choice.
Stable Vision
For the best results, vision should be stable for at least one year before surgery. This means that the prescription should not change much. The doctor will check your prescription and ensure it has stayed the same for a while before recommending surgery.
Healthy Eyes
Your eyes need to be healthy for laser surgery to work well. You might not be a good candidate for the surgery if you have any major eye problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or other serious eye conditions.
What To Expect During And After Surgery
Laser eye surgery is a big step, but it is a simple procedure that can give you clearer vision. Here’s what you can expect during and after vision correction procedures.
During Surgery
The actual surgery is usually very quick and easy. Laser eye surgery typically takes a few minutes for each eye. The doctor will first use numbing drops in your eyes. These drops will help make sure you don’t feel severe pain during the surgery.
After Surgery
After your surgery, you must care for your eyes to help them heal properly. Your doctor will give you instructions to follow closely, including how to use your eye drops and when to rest.
In the first few days after surgery, you may need to avoid rubbing your eyes and follow other instructions to protect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I need an enhancement procedure after LASIK eye surgery?
Sometimes, you might need a second procedure to help your vision get better. This is rare and usually happens if your vision isn’t as clear as expected after healing. Your doctor will explain what to do if this is needed.
Can I drive after my laser eye surgery procedure?
You should not drive right after the surgery because your vision might be blurry for the first day or two. After a few days, you should be able to drive again when your vision improves.
Can cataracts be treated too with laser?
Cataract surgery is a better choice for you if you have cataracts. Your doctor will check your eyes and decide if you can get laser eye surgery.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery is a great way to improve your vision. While there are some risks, blindness from laser eye surgery is mostly out of the equation. With the right care and a skilled surgeon, you can enjoy sharp vision without glasses or contact lenses.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, Dr Ed is available in Melbourne to guide you through every step of the process.
Call Dr Edward Roufail now at (03) 9071 0180 to learn more and see if laser eye surgery suits you. We look forward to helping you achieve the vision you’ve always wanted!
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
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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 January 10, 2025]
Silver N 2021. What Causes Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery, and How to Treat Them. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/dry-eyes-after-lasik [Accessed January 10, 2025]
WebMD Editorial Contributors 2022. Am I a Candidate for Refractive or Laser Eye Surgery? WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/candidate-refractive-laser-eye-surgery [Accessed January 10, 2025]
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