| Phone |
| Murdoch (08) 9366 1655 |
| Subiaco (08) 9388 7773 |
| Country 1800 261 655 |
| Fax |
| (08) 9366 1764 |
| Email Us |
| Click Here |
| Address |
| St John of God Medical Clinic Suite 55, 100 Murdoch Drive Murdoch WA 6150 |
| SJOG Healthcare Subiaco Clinic Suite 318, 25 McCourt Street Subiaco WA 6008 |
Risks
Some of the most common questions from prospective patients are about the risks involved. While LASIK surgery is a safe procedure, all medical procedures have some risks and these will be discussed at your appointment.
Infection
Extremely rare. The estimate risk is 1 in 10,000 cases, compared with one percent of contact lens wearers annually who get similar bacterial infections. Infection may result in scarring and loss of sight.
Surgical Complications
Rare. This includes creating an incomplete flap. In this circumstance the flap is not satisfactory and laser treatment will need to be postponed and a new flap cut at a later date. The estimated risk is 1 in 1000 cases, but varies according to the technique, surgeon and equipment used.
Delayed Healing
In most procedures the surface epithelium heals within hours. In 5% of procedures surface epithelial defects can produce blurring and irritation lasting 1 - 2 days or more.
Healing Complications
The estimated risk is 1 in 100 cases. This includes haze or scarring and astigmatism which may be treated with medication or further surgery. Under or over correction may occur as an increased or decreased response to the surgery. A mild non-infective inflammation of the flap can occasionally develop 1 - 4 months after surgery but usually settles with a short course of steroid eyedrops. The cause is unknown.
Epithelial Ingrowth
Rare. In approximately 1 in 500 procedures a layer of epithelium from the surface of the cornea grows between the flap and the underlying cornea. This will prevent complete healing of the flap and can compromise the visual result, leading to blurring of vision and glare. Additional treatment is required for this.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are common in normal individuals and often produce irritation with contact lens wear. Those with dry eyes preoperatively, may find their eyes are more sensitive to dryness for up to 3 - 6 months after LASIK. This can produce some variable blurring that clears with time. Lubricating artificial tears may be necessary during this period.
Regression
Up to 5 - 10% of the initial refractive treatment can regress normally. The laser treatment will usually take this into account and an allowance for this is made when calculating the amount of laser treatment. Very rarely, significant regression can occur with corneal ectasia developing.
