Long term effects of LASIK eye surgery

The science of laser vision correction has advanced rapidly since its introduction more than two decades ago. It has evolved both in terms of safety and accuracy. From the safety standpoint; the introduction of the next generation microkeratomes and the bladeless lasik have decreased the complication rates associated with a flap compared with older generation devices. SUPERLASIK (flapless laser) has taken this process one step further, by doing away with the flap altogether. From the standpoint of accuracy; Wavefront custom treatment technology as well as larger treatment zones and blend zone technologies were able to eliminate night vision problems and provide a better visual acuity, to the degree that in many patients the visual acuity surpassed the 20/20 range into 20/15 and 20/10 (the smaller the bottom number, the sharper the vision).

Lasik frees you of the restrictions of contacts and glasses

Since its early introduction, millions of people had the procedure done. However, many people worry about the long term effects of lasers on the eyes. Concerned mostly about risks, they question the safety of LASIK when compared with contact lenses.

The good news is that now we have long term data about the safety and the patient satisfaction with Laser Vision Correction. In order to remain objective we need to examine data from multiple independent sources.

A recent publication is based on the study of the Army Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program (WRESP), which was established by the US Army to reduce the limitations posed by corrective eyewear in combat arms soldiers. The outcome and satisfaction rates of Sixteen Thousand one hundred eleven army service members who have undergone Laser Vision Correction were studied. The study has concluded that this program has provided excellent outcomes and enhanced the overall readiness of over 16000 Army service members. Reports of night vision difficulties, surgical complications, and dry eyes are infrequent, and do not seem to have a significant negative impact on military operations or individual readiness. (Source: Ophthalmology; Volume 112, Issue 2, Pages 184-190.e2)

A different article published in the Ocular Surgery News reports the results of a large study of 800 eyes over a 10 year period presented at the European Society of cataract and refractive Surgeons meeting. According to this article: efficacy, safety and predictability were maintained throughout the study in eyes requiring low, intermediate and high levels of correction. (Source: Ocular Surgery News; January 1, 2007 p.36)

Another study followed patients over 12 years after having Laser Vision Correction and found that “Almost 90% of eyes recalled for 12-year follow-up maintained or improved best corrected visual acuity” ( Source: Journal Of Refractive Surgery 2006; 22:871-877, Ocular Surgery News; January1, 2007 p.34)

Please remember that despite these positive reports, Laser Vision Correction is still a medical procedure that caries certain risks and needs to be done by a caring and a conscientious surgeon. LASIK is not a commodity that you shop for according to price. Do not fall prey to marketing tactics such as paid celebrity endorsements that are designed by LASIK corporations to lure you in and “close the deal”. These Corporations are run by a CEO’s not physicians and employ different surgeons with a high turnover rate. Rather, look for a compassionate physician that will spend time with you before the surgery, and will explore the pros and cons of the surgery as they apply to your individual case.

A comprehensive and detailed screening exam is crucial to the final outcome. Most of the problems reported by patients after LASIK are due to the fact that they were not good candidates for LASIK to begin with, and this was overlooked during the screening exam.