Joe R. McFarlane Jr., MD: "We are also just now learning of some of the long-term complications of [LASIK], which are being reflected in new allegations and lawsuits. For example, some patients are developing postrefractive ectasia years after the procedure; this condition not only compromises vision, but also may need to be treated with a corneal
transplant".
Source: EyeNet Magazine, November 2007.
LASIK surgeons are aware of universal adverse effects and long term issues of LASIK, but this information is not fully disclosed to patients.
Inaccurate intraocular pressure measurement after LASIK
Refractive surgery alters corneal thickness and biomechanical properties. Consequently, the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) is inaccurate after LASIK. IOP measurement is critical in the diagnosis of glaucoma. Patients who have had LASIK may lose vision due to undiagnosed glaucoma.
Problems with cataract surgery after LASIK
Everyone will develop cataracts, including patients who have had LASIK and other forms of refractive surgery. Cataract surgery involves removal of the natural lens inside the eye and implantation of an artifical intraocular lens (IOL). The altered corneal shape after LASIK results in inaccurate power calculation of the implant. This means that LASIK patients' vision will be out of focus after cataract surgery, and exposes patients to increased risk of repeat surgeries.
Late onset ectasia after LASIK
The peer-reviewed literature contains many reports of corneal ectasia developing months or years after 'successful' LASIK. Ectasia is a serious, sight-threatening complication which may require a corneal transplant.
Limited healing of the corneal and possible late flap dislocation
The flap never completely adheres to the cornea after LASIK. Peer-reviewed medical literature contains numerous reports of flap dislocations years after LASIK. Patients should be informed of this risk prior to having LASIK.
Progressive loss of corneal cells (keratocytes) after LASIK
Peer-reviewed medical studies have shown a persistent decrease in corneal cells (keratocytes) after LASIK. Doctors speculate that this loss might lead to long-term, sight-threatening complications.
Long-term corneal nerve damage after LASIK
Corneal nerves responsible for tear production are destroyed during LASIK. Confocal microscopy examinations of post-LASIK corneas show the reduction in corneal nerves after LASIK persists for years. To date, no study at any time point has found that corneal nerves fully recover after LASIK.
Increased risk of eye infections
"Eyes that have undergone LASIK may be more pre-disposed to infections than unoperated eyes, and the infection may progress more rapidly when it occurs. A possible explanation for the presentation of delayed keratitis after LASIK is that creating the lamellar flap may induce a permanent portal in the corneal periphery for microorganisms to penetrate."
Source: Vieira et al. Late-onset Infections After LASIK. J Refract Surg. 2008 Apr;24(4):411-3.
Loss of visual quality - Increase in visual aberrations
FDA clinical trials demonstrate that LASIK routinely leads to loss of visual quality and an increase in visual aberrations. The FDA website warns that LASIK patients may suffer debilitating visual symptoms at night.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site is presented for the purpose of warning people about LASIK complications prior to surgery. LASIK patients experiencing problems should seek the advice of a physician.