LASIK

In Oklahoma City and Edmond, Oklahoma

 

Risks

As with any type of surgery, there is risk associated LASIK. We reduce them to a bare minimum at Hummel Eye Associates in Oklahoma City by training our staff rigorously, by never cutting corners, and by using the most advanced technology available today. Complications do occur, but only rarely, affecting less than one percent of patients. Most often they can be corrected with a follow-up surgery.

 

Some people worry that it might cause blindness. But this is a baseless worry, as there are no cases where this is known to have happened.

 

Flap complications
The most common complications are related to the corneal flap that is folded back before treatment, and then replaced afterwards.

Flap complications include:

 

• Striae – wrinkles in the corneal flap
• Buttonhole flap – a flap with a hole in it, caused by tearing, uneven cutting, or cutting too close to the corneal surface
• Free flap – the hinge of the flap is cut through
• Ectasia – bulging cornea caused by cutting the flap too deep
• Epithelial ingrowth – scarring that occurs when the cells lining the surface of the eye migrate underneath the flap
• “The Sands of Sahara” - inflammation of the cornea, technically called Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK), and caused by debris under the flap

 

Visual disturbances
A few patients experience vision problems which do not affect visual acuity. These can include:

 

• Glare
• Halos
• Starbursts
• Poor night vision
• Hypersensitivity to light

There is less likelihood of these disturbances when Custom LASIK is done, as opposed to traditional LASIK.

 

Undercorrection and overcorrection
Visual acuity may be under- or over-corrected. This may be a temporary result, but if it persists it can be corrected with an enhancement procedure.

 

Astigmatism
In a few rare cases, LASIK can induce astigmatism. This is often so slight that it does not affect vision. It can be corrected with an enhancement procedure.

 

Corneal haze
Haze is very rare after LASIK, and it takes a good amount of corneal haze to affect your vision. It occurs as a result of your body’s healing mechanisms. There are several effective methods for removing haze.

 

Loss of best corrected vision
Improper healing or flap complications can make your vision worse than it was before the surgery. This is extremely rare and can usually be corrected with follow up surgery.

 

Regression
Sometimes your eyes will begin to return to their original shape, reversing the effects of LASIK. This is more common if your eyes need a strong prescription. Regression can be corrected with enhancement surgery.

 

LASIK Safety

 

The best way to reduce the risks of LASIK is to choose an experienced surgeon. At Hummel Eye Associates, we have over 35 years of experience in helping people with vision and eye problems.
Contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation.

 

(405)755-6111
Hummel Eye Associates
See Your Best…See Hummel!
4205 McAuley Blvd. #401
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405)755-6298
Statewide Toll-Free (800) 522-EYES (3937) 

Offices also in Alva, Ardmore, Woodward, and Yukon

Ask your optometrist for a surgical referral!