Suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism means you either wear glasses or contacts, or simply experience poor vision on a daily basis. If you have avoided vision accessories, or are tired of wearing them, laser eye surgery may offer you an incredible solution to achieving your best vision – without the need for corrective lenses. However, because laser eye surgery procedures such as LASIK permanently changes the shape of the cornea, you may wonder about risks and benefits. At your board-certified ophthalmologists’ Chicago practice, Chicago Cornea Consultants™, LTD, your trusted doctor will discuss potential LASIK flap complications, as well as benefits of the procedure, so you can feel confident about your decision to improve your vision.
What Is a LASIK Flap?
If you choose to undergo LASIK surgery, the procedure begins with the creation of a flap. Your ophthalmologist will first map out your eye to determine which areas are curved incorrectly and causing your blurry vision. Then, your doctor will make a precise incision in your cornea, or the domed, outermost portion of your eye that rests over your iris and pupil. This super-thin, three-sided piece of tissue is referred to as a “corneal flap” and gives your doctor access to deeper layers of corneal tissue. The procedure will then involve the re-sculpting of the cornea for improved vision, and the replacement of the flap, which heals quickly.
What Are the Potential LASIK Flap Complications?
While the incidence of LASIK flap complications is extremely low, considering possible risks is an important part of making the decision to undergo the procedure. Consider the following possible complications when making your final decision on this permanent vision improvement option:
- Dislocation or Displacement: Most common immediately after surgery, the flap may become displaced from trauma, rubbing the eye, or dry eye throughout the healing period. Correction of this problem includes positioning the flap into its proper location, and may require sutures. In most cases, the displacement will cause wrinkling that is addressed with the repositioning of the flap.
- Sub-Flap Infection: Within the first three days after LASIK, infection may occur beneath the flap. However, this complication is extremely rare. Your doctor will provide you with antibiotic eye drops for use before and after the treatment, to prevent the development of an infection.
- Inadequate Flap Creation: If a doctor creates a flap that is too thin or small, the surgeon may need to stop the procedure and postpone LASIK for several months.
- In-Growth: This occurs when epithelial cells grow beneath the flap during healing. A doctor will need to lift the flap, clean away the growth, and replace the flap.
Reduce Your Chance of Complications with Reputable Ophthalmologists
While the creation of a corneal flap and the restructuring of your cornea require precise measurements and incisions – which sounds complicated – LASIK surgery is a common and successful procedure. The incidence of complications is extremely low because current technology provides doctors with computer-guided data collection and surgical precision. By choosing one of our reputable eye doctors, with advanced backgrounds in LASIK surgery, and a practice outfitted with advanced laser eye surgery technology, your risk of complication is greatly reduced. Skilled, seasoned doctors prepare to prevent possible risks, and have the experience to quickly address and resolve problems if they arise. At Chicago Cornea Consultants™, we use a wavefront-guided system for the long-term vision improvement you desire.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have been considering LASIK surgery for your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our friendly ophthalmologists. You will receive the one-on-one attention you deserve, so you can gather answers to your questions, while making an educated decision to undergo this procedure.
