RISKS
LASIK is very safe, assuming the patient
meets the physical requirements and has a skilled surgeon.
LASIK, however, is real surgery, and as such, involves
some risk. The major risks of LASIK are primarily related
to the corneal flap, in its creation with the microkeratome
and post-operatively. However, it is the corneal flap
which makes LASIK so appealing: the lack of pain and
the very quick visual recovery are possible because
of the flap. Some of the risks include infection (which
is rare), corneal abrasions, a poor quality flap, wrinkles,
dislocated or dislodged flap, interface inflammation
("Sands of the Sahara"), epithelial ingrowth
(surface cells growing under the flap), and night vision
difficulties such as glare and halos. The risk of losing
some vision is very small, perhaps 1% or less. Choosing
a qualified surgeon is one way of making LASIK safer.
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