If you are considering LASIK and worried that something could go wrong, you might take comfort in knowing that it's extremely rare for complications from this procedure to cause permanent, significant vision loss. Also, many complications can be resolved through re-treatment or enhancements of the eye.

Selecting the right eye surgeon probably is the single most important step you can take to decrease any risks associated with LASIK. An experienced, reputable surgeon will make sure you are properly screened to let you know up front if you aren't a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.

Some people experience dry eye, which usually is alleviated with drops and disappears over time. Others may experience starbursts or halos around lights, especially at night. Usually this effect lessens or disappears over time, too. In a small number of people (probably less than 1%), their vision worsens rather than improves.

Common LASIK Complications

When LASIK complications occur, they may be associated with the creation of a hinged flap in the clear front covering of the eye (cornea), which is lifted for laser re-shaping of the eye. The flap then is replaced to form a type of natural bandage.

If the LASIK flap is not made correctly, it may fail to adhere correctly to the eye's surface. The flap also might be cut too thinly or thickly. After the flap is placed back on the eye's surface, it might begin to wrinkle. These types of flap complications can lead to an irregularly shaped eye surface. But problems also often are resolved through re-treatment or enhancements of the eye.

Overtreatment or undertreatment - are you willing and able to have more than one surgery to get the desired result?

May still need reading glasses - do you have presbyopia?

Results may not be lasting - do you think this is the last correction you will ever need? Do you realize that long-term results are not known?

May permanently lose vision - do you know some patients may lose some vision or experience blindness?

Dry eyes - do you know that if you have dry eyes they could become worse, or if you don’t have dry eyes before you could develop chronic dry eyes as a result of surgery?

Development of visual symptoms - do you know about glare, halos, starbursts, etc. and that night driving might be difficult?

Contrast sensitivity - do you know your vision could be significantly reduced in dim light conditions?

Bilateral treatment - do you know the additional risks of having both eyes treated at the same time?

Patient information - have you read the patient information booklet about the laser being used for your procedure?