What are the risks and potential complications associated with LASIK?
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Jay Bansal, MD
LaserVue Eye Center
1700 California Street
Suite 480
San Francisco, CA 94109
(800) 791-5691
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Southwestern Eye Center
3321 East Bell Road
Suite B12
Phoenix, AZ 85032
(800) 769-0037
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Jay Bansal, MD
LaserVue Eye Center
3540 Mendocino Avenue
Suite 200
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(800) 791-5691
Though there is no government agency or independent company that gathers detailed data on the prevalence of side effects or complications from laser vision correction surgery, the most recent research suggests that less than 1% of LASIK patients experience serious side effects or complications from the procedure.
However, no surgical procedure (including LASIK) is risk-free. The following list of complications have been reported after LASIK:
- A gritty, scratchy feeling
- Pain or discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Dryness or tearing
- Fluctuating vision
- Glare or halos around lights
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
- Poor or reduced visual quality
- Corneal flap problems
- Infection
- Corneal healing problems
At least one study suggests that you have less risk of complications when you have your LASIK performed by an experienced LASIK surgeon (one who has already performed 1,000 or more procedures). When considering where to have your LASIK surgery performed, ask questions about the level of experience the surgeon has, their LASIK success and enhancement rates, and the rate and types of complications their patients experience after LASIK. Also, before signing consent, you should understand all of the services included in the cost of LASIK eye surgery.
Note: This information is for general education purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice from your eye doctor or refractive surgeon.
Last updated: February 2010
