Yes, eye surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries risks, although serious complications are rare.
While complications leading to vision loss are uncommon, certain side effects following procedures like LASIK are relatively frequent. It's essential to understand these potential risks before undergoing any eye surgery.
Common Risks and Side Effects
- Dry Eyes: This is a common side effect where your eyes don't produce enough tears, leading to discomfort.
- Temporary Visual Disturbances: These can include glare, halos, double vision, or difficulty seeing at night. These symptoms usually improve within a few weeks or months.
Rare but Serious Risks
While rare, serious complications can occur. These can include:
- Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection.
- Corneal Problems: Issues like corneal ectasia (thinning and bulging of the cornea) can occur.
- Vision Loss: Although very rare, vision loss is a potential risk.
Minimizing Risks
Choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon is crucial to minimizing risks. Thorough pre-operative evaluations and careful adherence to post-operative instructions also help.
Before Surgery
It's vital to have a comprehensive discussion with your ophthalmologist about the risks and benefits of the specific eye surgery you are considering. This discussion should cover your individual risk factors and what to expect during and after the procedure.
