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eLearning Series:
Lasik Eye Surgery Questions & Answers
( 50 articles
in this series )
Long-Term
Effects of Lasik Eye Surgery
Lasik vision correction surgery is a widely
performed procedure designed to help improve the eyesight.
This procedure can often completely eliminate the need for
corrective lenses in some patients with a good surgical outcome.
While the Lasik procedure is a relatively quick and
easy surgery, there can be risks and complications. With Lasik vision correction
surgery becoming a popular option for people who depend on
glasses or contacts, many wonder about the long-term effects.
The
Lasik surgery can often drastically improve the vision
of many people. About 94 percent of all patients find that
they have improved vision almost immediately after the surgery.
Many times, patients can have 20/40 eyesight or better after
Lasik. A few patients do reports complications with this procedure
including seeing halos around lights at nighttime, worsened
vision and infections. The laser technique procedure is relatively
new, so many patients are curious about the long-term effects
of Lasik.
Modern Lasik surgery was first performed in the United States
in 1991. A sort of Lasik procedure was performed much earlier
than this though. In 1948 eye vision correction was performed.
This procedure was much more involved than the current technique.
It involved cutting and stitching the cornea back in place.
This early procedure was only performed in very extreme cases
and at the time was very experimental. Early eye correction
surgeries had results that were often unpredictable and risky.
Now, many people can have Lasik without the worry of major
complications. Lasik procedures today are highly effective
and are very precise.
It
is important to understand that since the modern technique
of Lasik has only been used for about ten years, doctors do
not know the long-term effects. Scientists who research and
track Lasik complications, believe that there are probably
no significant long-term effects from this surgery. It is known
that early forms of vision correction seemed to work well and
did not have negative long-term effects. The excimer, which
is the laser used during these procedures, have been used since
the early 1980s. The technique of making a flap in the cornea
to correct vision was performed in the late 1940s. Neither
has shown negative long-term effects on patients.
One
possible long-term side effect could be reduced night vision
or seeing what are called halos around lit objects in
low light. One research study shows that some Lasik
doctors no longer use the laser technique for Lasik procedures
because
of the
patient’s complaints of reduced night vision. The US Food and
Drug Administration also warn of these effects on patients.
The FDA warns that after Lasik surgery, some patients will
no longer be able to drive at night. This side effect can be
a major problem for some people.
Another
possible long-term effect that the FDA cautions potential
patients about is that the benefits of improved vision may
not be permanent. They feel that the improved vision could
be temporary especially for those who already depend on reading
glasses. Many Lasik patients find that they still need reading
glasses after the surgery is complete. Even with the surgery
an immediate effect of the surgery may include the need to
still wear glasses. The surgery is not designed to completely
eliminate the need for glasses, but to reduce the need for
them after surgery. Additionally, the need for reading glasses
is caused by natural maturity of the eyes and Lasik cannot
improve the need for reading glasses.
The
most important part of the Lasik procedure is to make certain
that you are a good candidate for the surgery. Most
of the complications and side effects of Lasik are on patients
who are not properly screened or who have not had proper education.
A Lasik surgeon should be prepared to tell you every aspect
of the surgery and determine if you can have a good outcome.
People who should not have the surgery include those who suffer
from diseases of the immune system, those who are under eighteen
years of age, those with certain eye diseases and people who
are pregnant or nursing.
Proper education about the surgery can help many potential
patients understand the risks and complications prior to surgery.
There are no guarantees for those who choose to have Lasik.
The best Lasik patients are those who are fully informed and
have realistic expectations of the procedure.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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