LASIK Risks and Complications

FDA clinical trials reveal alarming complication rates from twelve approved LASIK lasers, including newer "custom" wavefront technology. Six months after surgery:

Source: Bailey MD, Zadnik K. Cornea 2007 Apr;26(3):246-54

FDA complication rate data

Still skeptical? Dig into the data in the additional high-quality sources here.

Prospective LASIK patients place their trust in LASIK surgeons to disclose risks and potential problems of the surgery. LASIK surgeons behave more like used car salesmen than physicians, talking up the "supposed" benefits of LASIK while downplaying or concealing complications.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to the failure of LASIK surgeons to report LASIK complications as required by federal law, patients who experience dry eyes, night vision problems, or other complications after LASIK should file a MedWatch report with the FDA. 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 using the postage-paid addressed form, or download the MedWatcher Mobile App for reporting LASIK problems using a smart phone or tablet.

If you are experiencing problems from LASIK or another form of refractive eye surgery, we invite you to join the discussion on Facebook.

LASIK-Induced Visual Aberrations

Corneal irregularities vary widely among LASIK patients. Consequently, visual aberrations reported by LASIK patients also vary widely. Patients may complain of blurry vision, ghost images, starbursts, smeared vision, halos around lights or illuminated objects, and loss of contrast sensitivity. Glasses and soft contact lenses cannot correct these aberrations.

Some LASIK patients compare their vision to wearing dirty, uncomfortable contact lenses of the wrong power that are permanently stuck to their eyes. Even a patient declared a success by the operating surgeon may experience visual disturbances like the ones illustrated below.

Patients with visual disturbances or other LASIK complications should file a MedWatch report with the FDA. You may also call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report by telephone.

What people are seeing post-surgery

Starburst effect after LASIK

Night Vision Problems

Starburst effect is a common complication of LASIK. Patients with large pupils are at increased risk of severe starbursts. All prospective patients should be warned of diminished night vision.

Blurry vision complication

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision varies from mild to severe. Described as "aquarium vision" or "vaseline vision" — often uncorrectable with glasses. Some patients report vision that smears in one or more directions.

Driving issues after LASIK

Driving Issues

Many patients have problems driving at night; some also during the day. Some patients can't even pass a driving test, which generally requires 20/40 vision.

Halo effect after LASIK

Halos

Halo severity increases with pupil size. After LASIK, halos may appear around any brighter area or reflective object. The industry does not consider this a complication.

Optical Zone Comparison

The images below demonstrate how LASIK creates a permanently smaller optical zone compared to what glasses or contacts provide, especially problematic when pupils dilate at night (or simply in a dim movie theater or living room).

After LASIK - smaller optical zone Before LASIK - full optical zone with glasses/contacts
Before
After

Halos caused by LASIK's small optical zone:

After LASIK - showing visual distortions Before LASIK - clear vision
Before
After

Specific Risks & Complications

Night Vision

19.3% report night-driving problems six months after LASIK.

Dry Eyes

The most common complication. ~20% still report dry eyes six months post-surgery.

Depression & Suicide

Documented cases of severe depression and suicide following LASIK vision loss.

Eye Pain / Neuropathy

Corneal nerves are severed during LASIK and may never fully recover.

Ectasia

Progressive corneal bulging with deterioration of vision.

Flap Dislocation

The corneal flap provides no more strength than a contact lens.

Floaters & Retinal Damage

LASIK creates multiple types of ocular mechanical stress.

Infection

Sources include ocular flora, instruments, surgeon's hands, and airborne contaminants.

Herpes Simplex Keratitis

LASIK may activate herpes simplex virus, causing sight-threatening lesions.

Epithelial Ingrowth

~50% of LASIK patients will have post-op epithelial ingrowth.

Interface Fluid

May occur from steroid-induced elevation of intraocular pressure.

Higher Order Aberrations

Refractive surgery increases aberrations, causing loss of best-corrected acuity.

Debris Under the Flap

Studies show debris under the flap in 100% of eyes after LASIK.

Central Islands

Steep spots on the cornea caused by tissue plume, fluid, or laser inconsistencies.

DLK / Inflammation

Incidence of 0.75% to 32%, increasing worldwide since first described in 1998.

Cataract after LASIK

Even relatively young patients report cataracts shortly after surgery.

Glaucoma / Optic Nerve

LASIK makes accurate glaucoma diagnosis significantly more difficult.

Regression

Long-term studies confirm LASIK results decline over time.

Long-Term Issues

Universal adverse effects not fully disclosed to patients prior to surgery.

Bladeless LASIK

Femtosecond laser flap creation introduces its own set of complications.

PRK Complications

PRK carries its own distinct risks and recovery challenges.