Risks of corneal refractive surgery
The first risk of any surgery is always infection. To avoid this,
antibiotics drops are given; the patient must be prudent for a
couple of days, should not rub his/her eyes, must keep the contact
lens, or the patch, or the eye-shield depending on the technique.
It is forbidden to swim for at least 2 weeks; no make-up should
be used for the same period.
The eyes can be relatively dry after the surgery, so artificial
tears must be used frequently.
There is always a possibility to experience some pain, specially
after PRK for a couple of days; painkillers in tablets or in drops
will help.
Some risks are linked to the technique used:
- for PRK: delay in visual recovery by poor reepithelialization;
haze (a kind of mist) formation in the cornea, slowly disappearing
with time; light sensitivity, etc…
- for Lasik: the flap creation is crucial: the flap must
have the right thickness, the right diameter, and the right size.
If for any reason, the flap is not perfect, the laser ablation
will not be done, but a new attempt can be realized a few months
later. After the surgery, some flaps might present little folds,
impairing vision and slowly disappearing with time. Dryness, light
sensitivity, can also result in vision difficulties.
For both techniques, there is always a minor risk of over- or
undercorrection. This can be solved by enhancement if necessary.
Glares and haloes can be present at night for the first postoperative
period and should disappear with time; however, some patients
with high refractive errors can still experience this phenomenon
for a longer period, sometimes one year after surgery.
This is a short list of possible complications. However, it
should be kept in mind that the risk of having a sight threatening
complication is low; your surgeon will help you by telling you
the best technique in your case and the results you can expect.
The risks in your case will also be explained.
It is generally admitted in scientific meetings that +/- 85
to 95% of the cases, depending on their preop refractive error
will be able to function without optical devices, and that 5 to
15% of the cases will need them for special circumstances (night
driving, TV, …).
Indications for laser corrective surgery
or refractive surgery
Reimbursment
Customized ablations
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