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Possible Problems after LASIK

The risk of serious complications is extremely low, less than 1%.
Femto-LASIK or iLASIK procedures have the lowest risk of complications.
Reducing the risk of complications to the lowest level possible depends on a number of factors: on the experience of the ophthalmologist who performs the surgery, on which LASIK technology is used as well as on the patient’s cooperation and willingness to closely follow and observe all postoperative treatment instructions. Your ophthalmologist will inform you of your individual risk at the preoperative consultation.

Vision after LASIK

Even under the strictest conditions, surgical correction of a refractive error to precisely 0.0 diopter is extremely rare. Whether eyeglasses are needed after surgery depends largely on the patient's requirements for vision.

The goal of the surgery is to free the patient from the need to wear eyeglasses. Accordingly, after surgery vision should be largely sufficient for daily requirements. Today, this goal is achieved for almost all patients. This also includes all those remaining minor refractive errors which can be identified but do not present an obstacle to everyday life.
For certain situations, such as nighttime driving , vision correction with eyeglasses may be recommended. Please note: A nearsighted patient with LASIK-corrected normal vision will still need reading glasses at the onset of presbyopia (starting at approximately age 40 to 45). Presbyopia is a natural process that everybody experiences, regardless of whether or not eye surgery was performed.

Problems that may occur after LASIK

  • dry eyes
  • regression
  • glare and halos at dusk and night
  • growth of epithelium underneath the corneal flap
  • decentration of the treatment zonecorneal bulging (keratectasia)
  • infection

What can you do to ensure good vision after LASIK surgery?

  • Do not rub your eyes for the first few days after surgery
  • Use the eye drops you received on a regular basis but only for the length of time specified by your ophthalmologist and optometrist. Extended use of this highly effective medication may harm your eyes.
  • Attend your scheduled check-up visits.
  • Immediately contact your optometrist if you experience severe pain or a sudden decrease in vision.