Is Refractive Surgery Safe?

Is Refractive Surgery Safe? 

If you’re considering refractive surgery to correct your vision, you’re likely wondering, “Is refractive surgery safe?” This is a very common question, and it’s important to be fully informed before making a decision about your eye health. Refractive surgeries like LASIK, SMILE, and PRK have helped millions of people around the world achieve clear vision, but understanding the safety of these procedures and the potential risks is essential.

What is Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery refers to various procedures designed to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These surgeries reshape the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses correctly on the retina, allowing for clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Popular types of refractive surgery include:

• • LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): Uses a laser to reshape the cornea after creating a thin flap.
  • SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Involves creating a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue to improve vision without a flap.
  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Reshapes the surface of the cornea by removing the outer layer.
  • ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): Involves placing a small, flexible lens behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural crystalline lens in order to improve vision.
  • RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange): Replaces the natural less-flexible lens inside the eye with a new artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that can focus close and far, reducing the need for reading glasses and/or distance glasses.

Is Refractive Surgery Safe?

Yes, refractive surgery is generally considered very safe. Procedures like LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and ICL have been performed for decades and are backed by a wealth of scientific research. Millions of people have undergone these surgeries, with the vast majority experiencing significant improvements in their vision and quality of life.

Modern advances in laser technology, rigorous screening of candidates, and skilled surgeons like those at Northwest Eye Surgeons ensure that the risks associated with refractive surgery are minimal. Complications are rare, and most people are very satisfied with their results.

Understanding the Risks

While refractive surgery is safe for most patients, no surgery is without risks. It’s important to understand these risks and discuss them with your surgeon to make an informed decision. Some potential risks include:

1. Dry Eyes

• Cause: After surgery, your eyes may produce fewer tears, leading to dry eye symptoms.
• Resolution: This is usually temporary, and eye drops or medications can help alleviate symptoms during the healing process.

2. Glare, Halos, or Double Vision

• Cause: Some patients report seeing glare or halos around lights, especially at night, following refractive surgery. These symptoms are usually mild and diminish over time.
• Resolution: In rare cases, additional treatment may be needed to correct these visual disturbances.

3. Undercorrection or Overcorrection

• Cause: There’s a small chance that the surgery may not fully correct your vision, leaving you with residual refractive error (undercorrection) or slightly overcorrected vision.
• Resolution: If necessary, a follow-up procedure called an “enhancement” can often fine-tune the results. Patients may sometimes require glasses or contacts to see clearly after surgery.

4. Infection or Inflammation

• Cause: As with any surgery, there’s a very small risk of infection or inflammation following the procedure.
• Resolution: Antibiotic eye drops are typically prescribed after surgery to minimize this risk, and serious infections are exceedingly rare.

5. Flap Complications (LASIK only)

• Cause: In LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the cornea. Though rare, complications like improper healing of the flap can occur.
• Resolution: Careful post-operative monitoring ensures that these issues are caught early and treated appropriately.

Who is a Good Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

One of the most important factors in the safety and success of refractive surgery is patient selection. Not everyone is an ideal candidate, and your eye surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good fit. You may be a good candidate if:

• You are over 18 years old.
• Your vision has been stable for at least a year.
• You have healthy corneas and no significant eye conditions.
• You are not pregnant or nursing.

If you have conditions like severe dry eye, very thin corneas, or other specific eye health concerns, your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or suggest you avoid refractive surgery.

How to Minimize Risks

While risks are minimal, there are steps you can take to ensure the best possible outcome:

1. Choose a Skilled Surgeon: At Northwest Eye Surgeons, our experienced team uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure a safe, successful procedure. Our refractive surgeon, Dr. Michael Banitt, MD is a corneal specialist who completed fellowships in glaucoma at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL, and cornea and external disease at the University of Michigan. He is board-certified and has performed hundreds of ophthalmic procedures over the last 2 decades.
2. Follow Pre- and Post-Op Instructions: Following your surgeon’s recommendations before and after surgery, including using prescribed medications and attending follow-up visits, is critical to minimizing risks.
3. Be Realistic About Expectations: Discuss your vision goals with your doctor to ensure you understand the potential outcomes of surgery.

The Bottom Line: Is Refractive Surgery Safe?

Refractive surgery is one of the safest elective procedures available, with millions of successful outcomes worldwide. While there are some risks, most are minor and can be effectively managed by a qualified surgeon. At Northwest Eye Surgeons, patient safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Our team will work with you to determine if refractive surgery is right for you and ensure the best possible outcome.

If you’re interested in learning more about refractive surgery, book a complimentary consultation at Northwest Eye Surgeons today. We are happy to answer any questions and guide you toward clearer vision.