Should You Have It?
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
While results have improved for laser eye surgery patients, experts warn that the decision to have surgery should never be made without careful consideration of the potential risks. Lasik and similar procedures are not approved for patients younger than 18, because their vision has not stabilized.
Here are some factors consumers should consider:
· Some people complain that although they see 20/20 on the eye chart after surgery, their vision is not as crisp as it was with contacts or glasses. People with large pupils and those who are very nearsighted may develop glare or halos, especially at night. Others may have trouble discerning contrast.
· Serious complications are rare -- ranging from about 1 to 2 percent of patients, depending on surgeon experience -- but they do occur. Some are permanent.
· If you participate in contact sports, Lasik may not be advisable because a blow to the face could dislodge the corneal flap. PRK, a more painful procedure that involves several days of healing time, may be preferable because there is no flap.
· Do not have surgery if your prescription has changed in the past year. Best results require 12 months of stability.
· If you have dry eyes or blepharitis (crusting around the eyelashes), proceed carefully. Refractive surgery tends to worsen dry eye, while blepharitis increases the risk of post-operative infection.
