What if Lasik Surgery fails? What then?

Question

Hi everyone,

Studies tell me that between 90 and 95% of Lasik procedures are effective. I thinking of the worse case scenario.

If the surgery is unsuccessful and vision loss or other sight problems (halos, poor night vision, etc) occurs, what happens then? Can a second surgery be performed and if so at whose expense? Or do you spend the rest of your life dealing with a bigger sight problem and kicking yourself for undergoing the procedure?

I'm thinking about the procedure and weighting the risks and benefits.

Thanks,

Scott

Answer 1

So far there isn;t much of theses problem. A talk to the eye doc will solve all these problem. Dryness and halos can be reduced with usage of the better technology of lasik machines.

Answer 2

If the initial treatment doesn't work, they can do enhancements after the surgery, but there is a waiting period so that the corneal flap can heal properly between treatments.  The problem with having subsequent treatments is that each time they do it, they need do re-cut the flap on the cornea and this can cause complications.  

Where I worked (at an Ophthmalogists' private practice that had their own surgical center and performed LASIK) enhancements were offered at a reduced price.  I don't think they had to pay the surgeon's fees, but they did have a fee for using the Laser.

Halos and glare are very likely side effects from the procedure and the doctors should be informing the patient of these side-effects.  If they accidentally over or under correct someone, or in the case of high amounts of astigmatism, those are the cases in which enhancements are done.  I don't beleive that enhancements can correct for the halos and glare problems.

Answer 3

My sister had this done and it did not work properly.  She went back and they said she had to wait 6 months and then they corrected it for free.  She had it done at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent.  It is fine now and she is 62 so it was harder to sort old eyes out then young ones.

Answer 4

I think if they mess you up then you are screwed for good. some things cant be un-done

Answer 5

No, they do NOT wait for the flap to heal.  They do it as soon as they can so that they don't have to create a new flap!  Which means after your vision has stabilized but before the flap is completely healed.

If you go to a reputable place that gives you guarantees, they will correct it for free.  Some places do not have that kind of policy, so do your research.  I definitely trust a place more that is willing to correct vision further for free than a place that makes you pay for it.

Intralase has truly minimized the majority of problems such as halos.

Answer 6

If you have been told by specialists that the chances are 90% or more go for it I would