Lasik – What Could Possibly Happen
Though Lasik eye treatment is a relatively common procedure that
is performed without any complications in most cases, there are
associated risks with the surgery. Anyone thinking of getting the
surgery must have knowledge of all the associated risks. By understanding
the risks involved the person can make a choice about going into
the surgery based on the information and by weighing the advantages
and risks in the procedure.
A study conducted by “Health Which?” in the UK has
revealed that many doctors can do the surgery after training for
a few days. There is no need to get any certification to do this
procedure. So, the biggest risk and possibility of complications
arises from getting the surgery done from an inexperienced doctor.
One possible complication that can occur is corneal ectasia. This
is a condition where there is build up of pressure within the eye
which can be remedied only with a corneal transplant. Visualize
yourself in such a situation where you wanted Lasik for getting
improvements in your site and you landed up with having to get a
transplant done. These are the kind of probable risks that many
doctors will fail to inform about when discussing about Lasik.
Some patients have to endure so much of additional affliction and
expenses when they have a complication with the surgery. There are
some who have lost their vision totally. Perceive a situation where
a person goes to the surgeon to get treatment for a small vision
problem and finally ended with a bigger problem. These are the things
you should be informed beforehand prior to the surgery but many
a doctor fail to do this.
There are few small complications that are commonly seen with the
procedure. Some of these small complications include glare, halos
in low light and double vision. These problems even though minor
can affect your day-to-day functioning. You visited the surgeon
to get your minor problem fixed and ended with a bigger problem
after the surgery. Many of these complications cannot be rectified
by using contacts, glasses or with additional surgery. Think carefully
prior to putting your trust into a doctor who has had only a few
days of training before starting off with doing surgeries.
Severe dry eye is another common and a big complication that arises
after Lasik treatment. The tear glands do not produce sufficient
tears to retain the wetness of the eye after the surgery. This causes
irritation and the dryness is not a healthy sign. Also, the visual
quality comes down and the person may have blurred vision. This
needs frequent use of eye drops to keep the eyes moist. Sometimes,
the effect is quite permanent in which case the syndrome has to
be kept in control by utilizing punctal plugs to prevent drainage
of tears into the nasal passage.
There is another major consideration before opting for the procedure.
One must realize that the procedure does not help everyone who goes
for the treatment. Even though the expectation of many a person
from the procedure is perfect vision, it is not the case with everyone.
There is also a chance that the procedure might not have any changes
on your existing sight or you may have very less improvement. You
may end up having to still wear contacts or glasses after the procedure.
Another thing to bear in mind is that people who have farsightedness
might have regression of symptoms as they age. This means that as
you grow older, you might again require glasses for purposes like
reading. This is due to an age related change and is at present
not correctible with Lasik treatment.
Lasik is relatively very new. The procedure was approved by the
FDA only in the year 1998. So, the data about the procedure is still
quite less and there is no knowing about the effects of the surgery
in the long run. So, bear all this before you opt for Lasik treatment
for your eyes. If you still want to get it done, it is best to get
totally informed about the procedure prior to the surgery. Also,
it is best to look for an experienced surgeon who has done many
surgeries before.
Try to do as much research as possible before selecting the right
doctor. Do not decide about the doctor based on the treatment charges.
It is your eyes they will be operating, so look for the most experienced.
Also, do not go to places which heavily depend on advertising to
push their services and make tall claims about giving you perfect
vision. Nobody can assure you that you will get perfect vision from
the procedure. If a doctor really claims that, it is best to look
elsewhere.
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