Long Term Issues After LASIK
Joe R. McFarlane Jr., MD: “We are also just now learning of some of the long-term complications of [LASIK], which are being reflected in new allegations and lawsuits. For example, some patients are developing postrefractive ectasia years after the procedure; this condition not only compromises vision, but also may need to be treated with a corneal transplant”. Source: EyeNet Magazine, November 2007.
LASIK surgeons are aware of universal adverse effects and long term consequences of LASIK, but this information is not fully disclosed to patients prior to Lasik.
Incomplete healing of the cornea and lifelong risk of late flap dislocation
The LASIK flap never heals. A relatively weak scar forms at the flap margin, which holds the flap in place, but the flap itself does not bond to the cornea. Peer-reviewed medical literature contains numerous reports of flap dislocations occuring years after LASIK. Patients should be informed of this risk prior to undergoing LASIK.
Permanent loss of corneal strength after LASIK and risk of late onset corneal ectasia
The cornea is under constant stress from normal intraocular pressure pushing outward. Collagen bands of the cornea provide its form and biomechanical strength. LASIK thins the cornea and severs collagen bands, permanently weakening the cornea. This results in forward bulging of the posterior cornea, which may progress to anterior steepening – a condition known as post-LASIK corneal ectasia, or keratectasia, characterized by loss of best corrected vision and possible need for corneal transplant. Corneal ectasia may develop months or years after seemingly ‘successful’ LASIK.
Inaccurate intraocular pressure measurement after LASIK
Refractive surgery alters corneal thickness and biomechanical properties of the cornea. Consequently, the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) is inaccurate after LASIK. IOP measurement is critical in the diagnosis of ocular hypertension and glaucoma risk. Patients who have had LASIK may lose vision due to undiagnosed glaucoma.
Problems from Lasik? File a MedWatch report with the FDA online. Alternatively, you may call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report by telephone, download the paper form and either fax it to 1-800-FDA-0178 or mail it to the address shown at the bottom of page 3, or download the MedWatcher Mobile App for reporting LASIK problems to the FDA using a smart phone or tablet.
Patients with LASIK complications are invited to join the discussion on Facebook