LASIK has improved vision for many which in turn has reduced the use of glasses and contacts for them. We consider it to be a very effective treatment for what it is meant to do in select patients. That said, as with all surgeries, LASIK has its issues and complications. What you may come across online of lasik eye surgery gone wrong is scary, but the appearance of an unexpected symptom post surgery doesn’t necessarily mean the surgery was a failure.
Some effects such as temporary dry eyes, mild glare or fluctuating vision present during the normal recovery. Other symptoms may be a sign of a complication which requires an ophthalmologist’s care. By knowing the difference patients may respond appropriately instead of ignoring an issue or becoming needlessly anxious. This guide goes over the most important LASIK complications, also the possible LASIK surgery risks, warning signs and treatments available when recovery does not go as expected
Can LASIK Eye Surgery Go Wrong?
LASIK which is a procedure that changes the cornea to improve accuracy of light focus on the retina. In routine LASIK the anesthetist makes a thin flap on the cornea, uses a laser to reshape the base layer of tissue and then puts the lasik flap back in place. We have seen great advances in technology, pre op testing and patient choice which has in turn improved the safety and predictability of the procedure. That said, individual healing responses still vary and we can not eliminate all complications.
When out patients use the term lasik eye surgery gone wrong what they may be reporting is a wide range of issues including persistent dry eyes at which they may be experiencing night glare related issues. Also we see reports of under correction, flap related issues for which there are reports of more serious corneal complications. The FDA notes that post LASIK issues may include dry eye, glare, halos, double vision, under or over correction and in very rare cases loss of vision. Pre op care still plays a large role in risk reduction.
What Are the Most Common LASIK Complications?
Not at all does every post-LASIK uncomfortable symptom present a serious issue. The eyes do require time to heal in which vision may fluctuate. Also some issues may present for a longer time than expected or may require a further treatment
Dry Eyes After LASIK
Dryness is a common issue in LASIK eye surgery risks. During the procedure temporary changes to the corneal nerves which in turn affect tear production and the signals that keep the tear film intact may occur. Patients may have burning, irritation, a gritty feeling, watering or intermittent blurred vision. For many people these symptoms improve as healing progresses.
Patients that have dry eye preoperatively may report more post procedure issues. This is why we include tear film evaluation in our pre-LASIK work up. Also the FDA tells patients with preexisting dry eye to talk to their doctor about the chance of symptoms to get worse before they go ahead with the procedure. Treatment is based on the degree of dry eye and may consist of artificial tears, changes in care of the eyes or other dry eye treatments which an ophthalmologist will put forward. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated rather than put off with self medication
Glare, Halos and Difficulty Seeing at Night
Some patients report glare, halos around lights, starbursts or reduced visual sharpness in dim conditions after LASIK. These issues may present more in nighttime driving. While they usually improve during the first few months post op which is the healing period, if symptoms persist further evaluation is needed. Pupillary response, the pre op spectacle correction, the health of the cornea, tear film quality and how the eye heals itself play a role in post op visual quality. FDA reports also note that new visual symptoms may appear after LASIK, though the majority of patients in their quality of life studies reported that they were still very satisfied with their vision
Under-Correction or Over-Correction
Some patients report glare, halos around lights, starbursts, or reduced visual sharpness in dim conditions after LASIK. These problems may be more noticeable when driving at night. They usually improve during the first few months after surgery, as the eyes heal, but persistent symptoms require further evaluation. Postoperative visual quality depends on factors such as pupillary response, the preoperative spectacle correction, corneal health, tear-film quality, and the way each eye heals. FDA reports also note that new visual symptoms can appear after LASIK, although most patients in the quality-of-life studies said they remained very satisfied with their vision
Regression of Vision
Some patients report clear vision post procedure but then see a return of some of their original refractive error which is what we term regression. It does not in all cases mean that the base procedure was done poorly. Age, degree of refractive error treated, natural eye changes and individual healing responses play a role in long term results. Post evaluation we may recommend glasses, contact lenses or a revision procedure based on cornea health.
LASIK Flap Complications
The production of the lasik flap which is what differentiates LASIK from procedures like PRK. While flap related complications are rare they do require an appropriate assessment.
In some cases the LASIK flap may develop folds which we call striae or may shift from the intended position especially if the eye is rubbed or injured post op. The FDA tells patients to avoid rubbing the eyes after LASIK as this may disrupt the flap during early healing. If there is serious displacement or folds which in turn affect vision the surgeon may have to reposition or smooth the flap out.
Epithelial Ingrowth
The epithelium is the outmost layer of the cornea. Also at times epithelial cells grow under the LASIK flap. Some areas may be monitored, while in more progressive cases which affect vision or flap health the surgeon will have to lift the flap and remove the unwanted cells. Regular follow up exams allow for identification of these changes before they produce large scale visual issues.
Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis
Diffuse lamellar keratitis at times presents as interface inflammation which develops between the LASIK flap and the base corneal tissue. Patients may present with hazy vision, discomfort or light sensitivity. Treatment is most effective when the condition is identified early and may consist of prescription anti-inflammatory therapy which is supervised by an ophthalmologist. In more serious cases treatment may include procedures to clean the flap interface.
Infection After LASIK
Infection is a rare but very serious issue related to LASIK complications. Symptoms may present as increased redness, pain, discharge, light sensitivity or in some cases a report of worsening vision. An eye infection post surgery is a matter which should be treated by a health care professional and not with over the counter drops or home remedies. Timely evaluation is key because some corneal infections may progress quickly. Treatment is based on the cause and the extent of the infection and may include a heavy dose of prescription antimicrobial medication and very close follow up with an ophthalmologist.
Corneal Ectasia After LASIK
Corneal ectasia is a rare yet important issue which sees the cornea weaken and protrude out of shape. This may cause progressive astigmatism and issues with vision which present as distortion and blurring. Before undergoing LASIK evaluation includes assessment of corneal thickness, shape and other parameters. Also included is study of the patient for any pre existent abnormalities which may rule out suitability for the procedure like in case of keratoconus or very thin cornea. If corneal ectasia does develop post procedure the treatment is very much a personalized approach. May include use of specialized contact lenses to improve vision and also corneal collagen cross linking to reinforce the cornea. Also at times other procedures may be put forth based on the degree of the issue.
Understanding LASIK Surgery Drawbacks
The term LASIK drawbacks includes a lot more than just surgical complications. Patients also should know of the procedure’s limits before they decide if LASIK is right for them. LASIK doesn’t stop the natural aging of the eye. A person which develops presbyopia as they age may end up in need of reading glasses even after we see improvement in their distance vision. Also, LASIK does not guarantee that you will never require glasses again. Vision changes naturally over time and some patients may in fact require more correction
| Possible LASIK surgery drawbacks | What they may mean |
| Temporary dry eye | Burning, irritation or fluctuating vision during recovery |
| Glare or halos | Lights may appear surrounded by rings, especially at night |
| Residual spectacle power | Glasses or additional correction may still be necessary |
| Vision changes over time | Ageing or regression may alter the initial result |
| Flap-related concerns | Additional examination or treatment may occasionally be required |
Discussing these lasik surgery drawbacks before surgery allows patients to develop realistic expectations rather than viewing LASIK as a guaranteed permanent solution to every vision problem.
Warning Signs After LASIK That Should Not Be Ignored
Mild irritation, watering, light sensitivity and hazy vision present soon after LASIK. The FDA reports that for most patients these symptoms improve as treatment recovery proceeds. Severe pain or if symptoms are getting worse instead of better require you to contact your eye care provider right away. Go in to see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice large or increasing pain, a sharp rise in the level of your other symptoms, very red eyes, atypical discharge, more light sensitivity or a change in the quality of your vision. Also seek urgent care if you have sudden new floaters, a large increase in floaters, or a dark shadow that is new or has come to include a larger area in your field of vision which may be a sign of retinal issues
| Symptom | What to do |
| Mild dryness that gradually improves | Continue the postoperative care advised by your surgeon |
| Temporary glare or fluctuating vision | Discuss it during scheduled follow-up if improving |
| Increasing pain or redness | Contact your ophthalmologist promptly |
| Sudden deterioration in vision | Seek urgent eye evaluation |
| Discharge with pain or redness | Obtain prompt medical assessment |
| Flashes, sudden floaters or curtain-like vision | Seek urgent ophthalmic care |
What Treatment Is Available if LASIK Eye Surgery Goes Wrong?
Treatment is based totally on the cause. We do not have a one size fits all solution for those that had issues with lasik eye surgery gone wrong. For persistent dry eye we may put you on a structured treatment plan. Residual refractive error at times can be improved with glasses, contact lenses or if it is appropriate we will do an enhancement procedure. Flap displacement may require repositioning. In case of significant epithelial ingrowth we may have to remove the cells under the flap.
Inflammation usually has a need for very watchful medical care, of which infection requires immediate therapy. As for the issue of corneal ectasia it may require the use of contact lenses, corneal cross linking or other specialized corneal procedures. What is of great importance is that many LASIK complications do have treatment options, especially when identified at the earliest. Also patients should stay away from use of steroid, antibiotic or any other prescription eye drops without medical supervision.
Can LASIK Risks Be Reduced?
Although all lasik risks cannot be eliminated, careful patient selection significantly contributes to safer treatment.
An in depth look at a LASIK evaluation should include assessment of spectacle power, corneal shape, corneal thickness, tear film health, stability of the prescription and other eye features. Also to be gone over is medical history, current medications, past eye surgery and lifestyle. Some patients may be advised to look at an alternative refractive procedure instead of LASIK. That the procedure is chosen based on the eye and not the other way around is a tenet of responsible refractive care. The FDA LASIK checklist also puts forth that patients discuss corneal thickness, dry eyes, prescription stability, what they expect and that they may still require more treatment before going ahead with the surgery.
LASIK Surgery Risks Should Be Discussed Before Surgery, Not After
Learning about lasik surgery risks is part of informed consent rather than a reason to automatically avoid the procedure.
Your ophthalmologist will go over what you can expect out of the procedure, what is realistic and what isn’t, what other options are out there for you and your individual LASIK risks based on your eye exam. Patients with healthy and appropriate corneas will present a very different risk profile from that of someone with thin or irregular corneas, severe dry eye or unstable spectacle power
If you are considering LASIK, a comprehensive evaluation at an experienced eye hospital can help determine whether LASIK or another refractive procedure is more suitable for your eyes.
At Vasan Eye Care we have an eye specialist doctor who does corneal health evaluation, refractometric analysis and other studies before we recommend the best eye treatments. Also if you are a patient which is experiencing atypical symptoms post refractive surgery do not assume that any change is within the scope of normal recovery we advise you to come in for an exam.
Conclusion
LASIK may provide excellent correction of your vision if you are a good candidate, that said we also need to look at what the lasik surgery risks are before you go in. Issues like dry eyes, glare, halos, and still present refractive error, are more what we see and report about, at the same time infection, LASIK flap problems, and corneal ectasia are rare but also very much a fact that needs to be aware of
Seeing reports of lasik eye surgery gone wrong should not take the place of a personal medical evaluation. Also, don’t dismiss persistent or improving symptoms which are a rare occurrence in the typical LASIK recovery
Thorough pre op evaluation, choice of the right vision correction procedure, following post op instructions and into scheduled follow ups can help reduce avoidable LASIK risks. If you are a LASIK candidate or have had issues with previous laser eye surgery we at Vasan Eye Care recommend that you seek out an experienced ophthalmologist for a personal eye exam and the best treatment option
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common LASIK complications?
Common issues with LASIK complications include temporary dry eye, fluctuating vision, glare, halos and residual refractive error. Also at times we see inflammation, infection, problems related to the lasik flap or corneal ectasia. The chance of each issue presents itself varies according to the patient’s eye health and individual risk factors.
2. How do I know if LASIK eye surgery has gone wrong?
Searching out reports of lasik eye surgery gone wrong often means there is issue of persistent symptoms. Severe pain, vision which is getting worse, redness that increases or discharge which is present instead of improving should be seen to by a health professional right away. Temporary dryness or mild visual change is normal during the repair period.
3. Can LASIK complications be corrected?
Many issues related to LASIK complications can be treated or managed. What we do may range from dry eye treatment and glasses to flap treatment, prescription medication, enhancement procedures or corneal based solutions. Which option is correct depends on the cause, the extent of the issue, the state of the cornea and time since surgery
4. Can the LASIK flap move after surgery?
At early stages of healing a LASIK flap is at great risk. Rubbing the eye or major trauma may cause it to displace. Postop care instructions should be followed very closely and in the event of sudden blurred vision, discomfort or a change after an eye injury the patient should contact their surgeon.
5. Are LASIK eye surgery risks permanent?
Most issues improve as you recover from the procedure but some LASIK eye surgery risks like persistent dry eye, visual disturbances or corneal complications may in fact be long term. Proper pre op screening, setting realistic expectations and regular postoperative follow up help to identify and manage these issues at the first sign
6. Is blurry vision normal after LASIK?
Some degree of blurred vision is present in the early stages of healing and may last some time. But if vision deteriorates suddenly or is persistent it shouldn’t be ignored. An eye doctor can do a cornea exam to determine if the change is part of the normal healing process or a complication
7. What should I do if I have severe pain after LASIK?
Severe and increasing pain should be reported to your LASIK surgeon or ophthalmologist right away. The FDA also says to report in to the performing doctor at once when you experience severe pain or if your vision and other symptoms get worse instead of better post op
Reference
- FDA – When Is LASIK Not for Me?
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/when-lasik-not-me - FDA – What Should I Expect Before, During, and After LASIK Surgery?
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery - FDA – LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/lasik-quality-life-collaboration-project - FDA – LASIK FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/lasik-faqs-frequently-asked-questions - FDA – The FDA’s LASIK Program
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/fdas-lasik-program (fda.gov)