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Refractive corneal surgery - Risks

Alternative Names

Nearsightedness surgery; Radial keratotomy; Refractive surgery

Risks:

Your vision may not be completely restored after surgery. This is called under-correction. In some cases, vision may be over-corrected.

After surgery some patients may have:

  • Spots (halos) in the eyes
  • Difficulty seeing at night because of glare (light sensitivity)
  • A dislodged cornea flap, even a long time after surgery
  • Dry eyes
  • Infections of the cornea that may lead to permanent vision loss. This is rare.
  • Scarring that may lead to permanent vision loss. This is also rare.
  • Reviewed last on: 2/17/2009
  • Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle , WA . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:127-132.

Schallhorn SC. Avoidance, recognition, and management of LASIK complications. Am J Ophthalmol. Apr 2006; 141(4): 733-9.

US Food and Drug Administration: Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Lasik eye surgery. Updated September 18, 2008.

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