Experts warn us that the decision to have laser eye surgery should not be made without consideration of the potential risks. Lasik and similar procedures are not approved for patients younger than 18, because their vision has not stabilized.
Some factors people should consider:
- Some people complain that their vision is not as crisp as it was with contacts or glasses, even though they see 20/20 on the eye chart after surgery. People with large pupils and those who are very nearsighted may develop glare or halos, especially at night.
- 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.
- Check out different surgeons. Never pick one based on a low fee or a catchy ad. Experience is crucial - especially experience managing complications. Ask the surgeon what percentage of his or her patients have problems six months after surgery. If the answer is zero, find another doctor: No surgery has that low a complication rate.
- Consult doctors who perform several procedures, not just one. Otherwise, that’s the one you’ll get, even if a different surgery might achieve a better outcome.